Shirley Jackson is a short story writer known for writing disturbing stories that focus not on horrific events, but on normal
events that occur in society. The
writer shows how her stories add new meaning to common events that everyone can relate to, often also making a comment on our society. Three of her stories which have these
features, are examined - "The Witch", "An Ordinary Day, With Peanuts", and "After You, My Dear Alphonse". These stories are compared in terms of theme, style, irony, and characters. The common features of Jackson's work can easily be identified.