Explore the theme of fate and superstition in "The Monkey's Paw." How do the characters' beliefs in the paw's magical powers affect ...
Explore the theme of fate and superstition in "The Monkey's Paw." How do the characters' beliefs in the paw's magical powers affect their actions and decisions?
Analyze the role of greed in the story. How does the desire for wealth and power lead to tragic outcomes, and what does this reveal about the dangers of unchecked ambition?
Discuss the irony in the granting of wishes through the monkey's paw. How do the wishes made by the characters result in unexpected and often dire consequences?
Examine the use of supernatural elements and horror in the narrative. How does the author create a sense of suspense and fear, and what makes "The Monkey's Paw" a classic of the horror genre?
Consider the dynamics of the parent-child relationship in the story. How do Mr. and Mrs. White's feelings for their son, Herbert, influence their actions and decisions?
Analyze the use of foreshadowing and suspense in the narrative. How does the author build tension and anticipation throughout the story, leading to its shocking conclusion?
"As I ventured into the eerie world of 'The Monkey's Paw,' I couldn't help but reflect on the haunting consequences of wishes and the age-old warning: 'Be careful what you wish for.'"
"What if you held in your hand a talisman that could grant your deepest desires, but at a steep cost? 'The Monkey's Paw' prompts us to ponder the price of our desires and the consequences of our actions."
"'It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,' said the sergeant-major. These words set the stage for a tale of supernatural intrigue and cautionary wishes. 'The Monkey's Paw' serves as a chilling reminder of the unknown."
"In the dimly lit parlor of the Whites' home on a stormy night, 'The Monkey's Paw' unfolds, enveloping readers in an atmosphere of suspense and dread. Explore the eerie ambiance that lingers throughout the story."
"Join the White family as they grapple with the otherworldly consequences of their wishes and the relentless paw that grants them. This narrative captures the essence of W.W. Jacobs' storytelling."
"What moral dilemmas do the characters face when given the power to change their fate? Analyzing the ethical choices made in 'The Monkey's Paw' prompts reflection on the consequences of our desires."
"How does the supernatural play a role in 'The Monkey's Paw,' blurring the lines between reality and the unknown? Delve into the eerie elements that shape the story's outcome."
"What drives the characters to make their wishes, and what do their desires reveal about human nature? Exploring the theme of wish fulfillment adds depth to the narrative."
"What are the consequences of the characters' actions in 'The Monkey's Paw,' and how do they echo the age-old warning about tampering with fate? Examining the story's impact offers valuable insights."
"How does 'The Monkey's Paw' contribute to W.W. Jacobs' literary legacy? Exploring the story's place in the realm of supernatural fiction reveals its enduring significance in literature."
Sort & filter
Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences
September 1902
W.W. Jacobs
Horror Fiction
Herbert White, Mr. White, Mr. White, Sergeant-Major Morris, The Representative
September 1902, by W. W. Jacobs
Horror short story
The story centres on a dried, shrunken monkey’s paw that is said to have the power to grant its possessor three wishes.
The main themes in “The Monkey's Paw” are fate, the unknown, and grief and loss.
Mr. White, Mrs. White, Herbert White, Sergeant-Major Morris, The Man from Maw and Meggins, The Monkey.
Jacobs drew from a number of widely known literary sources in writing “The Monkey's Paw” to make the story both familiar and unsettling. His most recognizable influence was the tale of Aladdin and the magic lamp, one of the more famous tales in The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, or simply Arabian Nights, as Mrs.
“But the days passed, and expectations gave way to resignation—the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes miscalled apathy.”
“Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly.”
