1. What sort of town is the one in the story? Why do you think that Jackson set her story in this particular setting?
The town is small, quiet, and everyone kind of knows each other. I think Jackson picked this kind of place because in small towns, gossip and reputation matter a lot, so the story hits harder.
2. How is Miss Strangeworth viewed by the other members of the town?
People see her as this sweet old lady, polite and harmless. They don’t realize she’s actually spreading poison with her letters.
3. Why exactly does she send these letters of hers? Can you think of more than one possible reason?
She says it’s to “protect” the town, but honestly, I think she does it because she enjoys having control and stirring things up. Another reason could be she’s lonely and this is her twisted way of feeling important.
4. Do you think that the "revenge" at the end was justified? Why or why not? But was it appropriate? Why or why not?
I think it was justified because she hurt a lot of people for no reason, so she kinda deserved payback. But was it appropriate? Maybe not, since it was really harsh to destroy her roses, which were basically her pride and joy.
5. Do you feel any pity for Adela Strangeworth? Why or why not?
A little bit, yeah, because she’s just an old lady with nothing better to do, and that’s kinda sad. But also, she caused it herself, so it’s hard to feel too bad for her.
6. What motivation do you think Shirley Jackson might have had in writing a story such as this one?
I think she wanted to show how people aren’t always what they seem, and how cruelty can hide behind politeness. Maybe also to remind us that even small actions can really hurt others.
7. Jackson wrote this story in 1965, yet it is still as relevant in our world of social media today. - Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?
I totally agree. Today, people hide behind fake accounts or anonymous posts to spread rumors or hate, which is basically what Miss Strangeworth was doing with her letters. It just shows that this kind of behavior never really goes away, it just changes form.