Miss Strangeworth, the protagonist in Shirley Jackson's short story "Miss Strangeworth's Letters," wants to convey her belief that she is a guardian of her small town's morality. Through her anonymous letters, she attempts to expose what she perceives as the moral failings of her neighbors, believing that she is protecting them from their own shortcomings. However, her actions reveal a deeper commentary on the dangers of judgment and the impact of malicious gossip, ultimately highlighting the complexity of human nature and the consequences of self-righteousness.
She was 71 years old.
over a hundred years
Judgemental, or pessimistic.
Miss Strangeworth is a static character because she does not undergo any significant changes or growth throughout the story. She remains steadfast in her belief that it is her duty to protect her town from what she views as immorality. Despite the events that unfold, such as her letter being found and exposed to the townspeople, Miss Strangeworth's mindset and actions remain consistent.
Miss Strangeworth means to convey that people should conduct themselves with kindness, courtesy, and a sense of decency in their interactions with others. She values politeness and good manners as essential qualities for harmonious living in the community. However, the irony lies in the fact that Miss Strangeworth's outward behavior contradicts her own advice, as she secretly spreads malicious rumors and discord among her neighbors.
Miss Strangeworth is a crazy old lady who thinks that she is almost god-like. She may believe that what she is doing helps the people and lets them know what they are doing wrong with their lives. She has no actual reason for why she does what she does though.
Miss Strangeworth believes that human nature is inherently flawed and capable of great evil. She sees people as deceitful, hypocritical, and prone to causing harm to others. This belief influences her actions and motives in the story.
Miss Strangeworth is a static character in "The Possibility of Evil" as she remains largely unchanged throughout the story. She maintains her self-righteous attitude and malicious behavior without experiencing significant personal growth or change.
Miss Strangeworth mails her letters after the post office has closed to avoid being seen by anyone in her small town. She wants to keep her identity hidden while sending her malicious letters, which she believes serve a moral purpose by exposing the perceived flaws and wrongdoings of her neighbors. This secrecy reflects her desire to maintain her reputation as a respectable citizen while engaging in her covert campaign of judgment.
In the story "The Possibility of Evil" by Shirley Jackson, hints at Miss Strangeworth's secret include her obsession with writing anonymous letters, her particular interest in the moral conduct and private lives of her neighbors, and her extreme focus on maintaining the town's appearance of harmony and purity. These details foreshadow the revelation that Miss Strangeworth is the one spreading malicious gossip through her letters.
In the third letter Miss Strangeworth wrote in "The Possibility of Evil," she addresses a woman who she believes is neglecting her children, suggesting that the woman's behavior may lead to their moral decline. Miss Strangeworth feels justified in her actions, seeing herself as a guardian of the town's morality. Her letters reflect her misguided sense of duty and control over the lives of others, ultimately revealing her own flaws and the impact of her interference.
Miss Strangeworth uses anonymous letters to subtly warn people about the possibility of evil in the town by dropping hints and insinuations in her correspondence. She believes that by sending these letters, she is fulfilling her duty to protect her community from potential harm.