The Monkey's Paw: Sample Answers for Discussion Worksheet

Sample answer (for Mr. White):

Mr. White's main motivation throughout the story is curiosity and a desire for easy wealth. Initially, he's intrigued by the monkey's paw and its supposed magical powers. This curiosity leads him to make the first wish for money, despite the warnings. Later, his motivation shifts to grief and a desperate desire to undo the consequences of his first wish, leading to his second and third wishes. His actions, driven by these motivations, propel the plot forward and ultimately lead to the story's tragic events.

Mr. White undergoes significant changes throughout the story. At the beginning, he's portrayed as a content, albeit somewhat naive man, easily swayed by the prospect of magic and quick wealth. After the first wish results in his son's death, he becomes grief-stricken and filled with regret. By the end of the story, Mr. White has become more cautious and aware of the consequences of his actions. He realizes the danger of the paw and makes the final wish to prevent the horrifying outcome of his second wish. This development shows how experiences, especially traumatic ones, can drastically change a person's perspective and decision-making.

Three crucial events and their importance:

1. The arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris with the monkey's paw: This event introduces the magical element into the Whites' ordinary life and sets up the central conflict of the story.
2. Mr. White's first wish and Herbert's subsequent death: This event demonstrates the dangerous and twisted nature of the paw's magic, drastically changing the Whites' lives and driving the rest of the plot.
3. Mrs. White's insistence on using the second wish to bring Herbert back: This decision creates the climax of the story, building tension and horror as they await the results of their wish.

These events are crucial because they each introduce a new element of conflict or tension, driving the story forward and exploring the consequences of the characters' actions.

The story's setting contributes significantly to its mood and atmosphere. The Whites live in an isolated house called "Laburnum Villa," which suggests a quiet, perhaps lonely existence. The story takes place in the early 20th century, a time when people were becoming more skeptical of superstition but still susceptible to tales of the supernatural. The isolation of their home adds to the sense of vulnerability when strange events occur. The "heavy footsteps" on the path to their house create a sense of dread and impending doom. The dark, stormy night during the climax further enhances the ominous atmosphere, contributing to the overall gothic and horror elements of the story.

The monkey's paw symbolizes the dangers of greed and the unintended consequences of interfering with fate. It represents the idea that attempting to change one's destiny often comes at a terrible price. The paw's twisted, dried-up appearance suggests something unnatural and corrupted, foreshadowing the way it will twist the Whites' wishes. It also symbolizes the exotic and unknown, representing how people are often attracted to things they don't understand, sometimes to their detriment. Overall, the paw serves as a warning against trying to gain something for nothing and the perils of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.

The story strongly explores the theme "be careful what you wish for" through each of the three wishes:

1. The first wish for £200 results in Herbert's death and the family receiving compensation for exactly that amount. This shows how the paw grants wishes in the most horrific way possible.
2. The second wish to bring Herbert back leads to the terrifying prospect of a mangled corpse coming back to life and approaching their home. This demonstrates how attempting to undo the consequences of the first wish only leads to more horror.
3. The third wish, presumably to send Herbert's revived corpse away, finally breaks the cycle but leaves the Whites in a state of grief and regret.

Each wish emphasizes that attempting to use shortcuts or supernatural means to improve one's life often leads to unforeseen and often terrible consequences.

The story presents a complex interplay between fate and free will. On one hand, the characters make their own choices: Mr. White chooses to wish on the paw despite warnings, and Mrs. White chooses to wish for Herbert's return. These decisions drive the plot, suggesting the importance of free will. However, the paw's ability to grant wishes in twisted ways implies a predetermined fate that cannot be escaped. The fact that Sergeant-Major Morris passes on the paw, continuing its cycle of destruction, further suggests a certain inevitability. The story seems to suggest that while we have the free will to make choices, we cannot escape the consequences of those choices, which often unfold in ways we cannot control or predict.

One clear example of foreshadowing is when Sergeant-Major Morris throws the paw into the fire, and Mr. White retrieves it. Morris warns, "Better let it burn," foreshadowing the danger and misfortune that the paw will bring to the White family. This seemingly small moment hints at the tragic events that will unfold as a result of Mr. White's decision to keep and use the paw, despite the warning. It creates a sense of foreboding and tension, preparing the reader for the dark turn the story will take.

The overall mood of "The Monkey's Paw" is ominous, eerie, and suspenseful. The author creates this atmosphere through several techniques:

1. Setting: The isolated house and the dark, stormy night contribute to a sense of vulnerability and dread.
2. Descriptive language: Jacobs uses phrases like "cold and wet," "beastly night," and "empty chair" to create a gloomy and unsettling atmosphere.
3. Pacing: The author builds tension slowly, with moments of calm punctuated by sudden, frightening events.
4. Dialogue: The characters' conversations, especially about the paw's powers and the consequences of the wishes, add to the suspenseful mood.
5. Symbolism: The monkey's paw itself, described as twisted and dried up, sets a macabre tone for the story.

These elements combine to create a pervasive sense of unease and impending doom throughout the narrative.

The main message of "The Monkey's Paw" seems to be that we should be content with our lot in life and avoid seeking shortcuts or easy solutions to our problems. It warns against greed and the desire to change fate, suggesting that attempting to do so often leads to unforeseen and potentially disastrous consequences.

This message is relevant to our lives in many ways. In today's world, we're often looking for quick fixes or easy ways to achieve our goals. The story reminds us to be cautious about such approaches and to consider the potential consequences of our actions. It encourages us to appreciate what we have rather than always wanting more.

Moreover, the story's exploration of grief and the desire to undo past events is universally relatable. It reminds us of the importance of accepting things we cannot change and moving forward, rather than dwelling on the past or attempting to alter it.

Ultimately, "The Monkey's Paw" teaches us to be mindful of our choices, to be grateful for what we have, and to approach life's challenges with wisdom and acceptance rather than seeking magical solutions.