

Encourage deeper analysis and critical thinking with this set of 15 essay prompts for Shirley Jackson’s unsettling short story The Possibility of Evil. These questions guide students to explore themes of morality, secrecy, hypocrisy, and the divide between public image and private behaviour, while developing confidence in structuring and expressing analytical ideas.
Ideal for KS4 English Literature, this resource works well for class discussion, independent essay writing, timed assessments, or homework tasks.
What’s included:
★ A complete list of all 15 essay prompts
★ Individual printable handouts for each question with planning/writing space
★ Editable Google Slides version for digital use or classroom display
Sample questions include:
➤ How does Shirley Jackson use setting to create a false sense of security?
➤ Explore the role of secrets and hidden behaviour in the story. What does Jackson suggest about human nature?
➤ To what extent is Miss Strangeworth a reliable narrator of her own life and intentions?
Key features:
✔ Text-focused, accessible prompts for close analysis
✔ Supports exploration of narrative voice, symbolism, structure, and theme
✔ Editable for differentiation and classroom flexibility
✔ Perfect for short story study, thematic analysis, or assessment preparation
Download today to help students move beyond surface understanding and engage critically with one of Jackson’s most chilling and morally complex works.
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