1. The town is small and friendly, where people know each other well. Jackson chose this setting because in a small town, gossip spreads quickly and has a big impact.
2. People see Miss Strangeworth as a kind, polite old woman. They respect her and don’t suspect she is cruel.
3. She writes the letters because she thinks she is protecting the town from evil. Another reason could be that she enjoys feeling powerful or important.
4. The revenge at the end may seem fair because she hurt others first, but it was still harsh. It taught her a lesson, but destroying her roses might not have been the best way.
5. Some people may pity her because she is lonely and blind to her own faults. Others may not pity her because she chose to hurt others.
6. Jackson may have wanted to show how hidden cruelty can exist under a polite surface, and how judging others can lead to harm.
7. Yes, it is still relevant today. Just like Miss Strangeworth’s letters, people spread gossip and cruelty through social media, often hiding behind anonymity.