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The Possibility of Evil Short Story by Shirley Jackson

The Possibility of Evil Short Story by Shirley Jackson. Introducing the Short Story Literary Analysis: Character Motivation Reading Skill: Make Inferences Vocabulary in Context. INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY. How good are you at JUDGING people?.

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The Possibility of Evil Short Story by Shirley Jackson

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  1. The Possibility of Evil Short Story by Shirley Jackson • Introducing the Short Story • Literary Analysis: Character • Motivation • Reading Skill: Make Inferences • Vocabulary in Context

  2. INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY How good are you at JUDGING people? The main character in “The Possibility of Evil” believes she can read into the hearts of those around her. Do you think it is so easy to judge people? Are you confident that you would recognize evil if you came face to face with it?

  3. INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY How good are you at JUDGING people? DISCUSS With a group, fill in a description wheel for the word evil. Then use the ideas you have brainstormed to create a definition of the word. Evil destroying others immoral

  4. Character Motivation One way of learning about a character is to consider his or her motivation—the reasons behind the character’s actions.

  5. Character Motivation Writers usually do not directly state a character’s motivation. Instead, readers often must figure out motivation by thinking about • the character’s words, thoughts, and actions • how other characters • react to him or her

  6. Character Motivation In “The Possibility of Evil,” Miss Strangeworth believes she acts in response to a moral dilemma:a choice between two options that violate one’s moral principles. As you read, think about whether Miss Strangeworth is really motivated by moral principles, or if she has other reasons for her actions.

  7. Make Inferences When you make inferences about a character, you apply your knowledge of human behavior to clues provided in the text. For example, if a character crosses to the other side of the street as another character approaches, you may infer that he or she doesn’t like the other character.

  8. Make Inferences As you read “The Possibility of Evil,” note details that help you make inferences about the thoughts and feelings of characters. Use a diagram like the one shown here. Inferences Details from Story After Tommy began working at the grocery, Miss Strangeworth called him Mr. Lewis. She no longer thinks of Mr. Lewis as her friend or equal.

  9. degradedadj. corrupted, depraved infatuatedadj. intensely fond negotiableadj. able to be bargained with raptadj. fully absorbed; entranced reprehensibleadj. deserving blame and criticism translucentadj. allowing light to shine through

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