The Monkey's Paw is a classic short story by W.W. Jacobs

 The Monkey's Paw is a classic short story by W.W. Jacobs

"The Monkey's Paw" is a classic short story by W.W. Jacobs, first published in 1902. The story revolves around a magical monkey's paw that grants three wishes to its owner, but with unexpected and often tragic consequences. Here's a typical question based on the story:

Question: In "The Monkey's Paw," what are the consequences of Mr. White's wishes, and what lesson can be learned from the story?

Answer: Mr. White's first wish for £200 leads to the tragic death of his son, Herbert, in a workplace accident, and the compensation received for Herbert's death is precisely £200. His second wish is for his son to come back to life, but the wish is never fully realized, as Herbert returns as a reanimated corpse knocking on the Whites' door. The consequences of Mr. White's wishes highlight themes of fate, the danger of tampering with the natural order, and the unintended consequences of human desires. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, impulsivity, and the unforeseen repercussions of our actions.

 

1. How does Sergeant-Major Morris acquire the monkey's paw, and why does he ultimately decide to pass it on to the White family?

2. Describe the initial reaction of the White family upon receiving the monkey's paw. How do their attitudes toward it change over the course of the story?

3. What are the three wishes made by the White family, and what are the consequences of each wish?

4. How does the setting of the story contribute to its overall mood and atmosphere?

5. Discuss the theme of fate versus free will in "The Monkey's Paw." How do the characters grapple with this concept throughout the story?

6. Analyze the character of Mr. White. What motivates his decisions regarding the monkey's paw, and how does he evolve as a character throughout the narrative?

7. Explore the role of foreshadowing in the story. How does Jacobs use subtle hints and clues to prepare the reader for the tragic events that unfold?

8. Discuss the significance of the final scene in "The Monkey's Paw." What does it suggest about the power of the supernatural and the human capacity for understanding it?

9. How does the theme of greed manifest in the story? What do the characters' desires for wealth and power ultimately lead to?

10. Reflect on the cultural and historical context of "The Monkey's Paw." How might societal beliefs about superstition, fate, and the supernatural influence the interpretation of the story?

ANSWER

1. Sergeant-Major Morris acquires the monkey's paw during his time in India, where it is said to have been enchanted by a fakir. He decides to pass it on to the White family because it brings him nothing but trouble and he wishes to be rid of it.

 

2. The White family initially receives the monkey's paw with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. As they experience the consequences of their wishes, their attitudes shift to fear and regret.

 

3. The three wishes made by the White family are for £200, for their son Herbert to come back to life, and for Herbert to go away again. The consequences of each wish result in tragic events.

 

4. The setting, particularly the isolated and atmospheric atmosphere of the White family home, contributes to the story's sense of foreboding and tension.

 

5. The theme of fate versus free will is explored through the characters' struggles with the consequences of their wishes, suggesting that while they have the free will to make their wishes, they are ultimately subject to the forces of fate.

 

6. Mr. White is motivated by curiosity, desire for wealth, and grief over his son's death. Throughout the story, he evolves from being hopeful and optimistic about the monkey's paw to regretful and fearful of its power.

 

7. Jacobs uses foreshadowing through subtle hints such as the sergeant-major's reluctance to discuss the paw's powers and the eerie atmosphere surrounding its introduction to prepare the reader for the tragic events that follow.

 

8. The final scene suggests the futility of trying to control fate and the dangers of meddling with the supernatural, as well as the inability of humans to fully understand or control such forces.

 

9. The theme of greed is evident in the characters' desires for wealth and power, which ultimately lead to tragic consequences as they pursue their wishes without considering the potential costs.

 

10. "The Monkey's Paw" reflects the Victorian era's fascination with the supernatural and superstition, as well as the era's anxieties about the consequences of industrialization and colonialism. These cultural and historical influences shape the interpretation of the story's themes and characters.

 

Multiple-choice questions based on "The Monkey's Paw":

1. What is the source of the monkey's paw?

   A) Africa

   B) India

   C) China

   D) Egypt

2. Who is the first person in the White family to make a wish on the monkey's paw?

   A) Mrs. White

   B) Mr. White

   C) Herbert

   D) Sergeant-Major Morris

3. What is the initial reaction of Herbert White when he hears about the monkey's paw?

   A) Excitement

   B) Fear

   C) Skepticism

   D) Indifference

4. What is the first wish made by the White family?

   A) To be rich

   B) For Herbert to come back to life

   C) For good health

   D) For a successful business

5. What happens to Herbert White as a result of the first wish?

   A) He becomes wealthy

   B) He disappears

   C) He dies in a workplace accident

   D) He becomes ill

6. Who initially suggests that they use the monkey's paw to wish for money?

   A) Mrs. White

   B) Mr. White

   C) Herbert

   D) Sergeant-Major Morris

7. What is the second wish made by the White family?

   A) For Herbert to come back to life

   B) For their house to be bigger

   C) For good fortune

   D) For a long life

8. What happens when the White family makes their second wish?

   A) Nothing happens

   B) Herbert returns as a zombie

   C) Herbert's ghost appears

   D) They become rich

9. What does Mr. White wish for as the third and final wish?

   A) For Herbert to go away

   B) For wealth

   C) For wisdom

   D) For happiness

10. How does "The Monkey's Paw" end?

   A) The Whites live happily ever after

   B) The paw disappears

   C) The story ends with an open-ended conclusion

   D) The Whites realize the consequences of their wishes and are left in despair

Answers:

1. B) India

2. B) Mr. White

3. C) Skepticism

4. A) To be rich

5. C) He dies in a workplace accident

6. A) Mrs. White

7. A) For Herbert to come back to life

8. B) Herbert returns as a zombie

9. A) For Herbert to go away

10. D) The Whites realize the consequences of their wishes and are left in despair