W.W. Jacobs’ timeless short story, “The Monkey’s Paw,” has enamored readers for over a hundred years with its holding story and interesting topics. First published in 1902, this story investigates the results of interfering with destiny and the steady quest for wants.
Set in England, the story rotates around the White family and the mysterious monkey’s paw that awards its owner three wishes.
As the story unfolds, Jacobs skilfully weaves a story of suspense, horror, and moral situations.
| Name of the PDF | The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers PDF |
| No. of pages | 2 |
| Name of the Author | W.W. Jacobs |
| Language | English |
| Story PDF | Click here to Download |
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Plot Summary of The Monkey’s Paw
The story begins on a cold and stormy night as the Whites are gathered in their cozy home. They receive a visit from Sergeant-Major Morris, an old friend who has traveled from India.
During his visit, Morris tells them about a mysterious and cursed monkey’s paw he obtained in India. This paw has the power to grant three wishes to its possessor but comes with grave consequences.
Despite Morris’s warnings about the paw’s dangers, Mr. White is intrigued and convinces Morris to sell it to him. Morris reluctantly parts with the paw, cautioning Mr. White to be careful with his wishes.
The Whites discuss their first wish, and after some hesitation, they wish for £200 to pay off their mortgage. Shortly after making the wish, they hear a knock at the door.
To their horror, they discover that their son Herbert has been killed in a tragic accident at work. The company provides them with compensation, exactly £200, just as they wished. The Whites are devastated, realizing the terrible price they paid for their wish.
As they mourn their son, Mrs. White becomes consumed by grief and despair. She persuades her husband to use the second wish to bring Herbert back from the dead. Despite his reluctance and Morris’s warnings, Mr. White wishes for his son’s return.
That night, they hear another knock at the door, and Mr. White hesitates to open it, fearing the consequences. When he finally does, there is no one there, only an empty street. The Whites are left in anxious anticipation, and the reader is left with a sense of dread.
As the tension mounts, Mr. White comes to a horrifying realization about the paw’s power. He frantically makes a third and final wish, wishing for the nightmare to end. The story concludes with a knock at the door, suggesting that something dreadful awaits them on the other side.
Themes Explored in the Book
Fate and Hubris: One of the central themes in “The Monkey’s Paw” is the exploration of fate and the consequences of attempting to control it. The story suggests that people are powerless against the forces that govern their destinies. When the Whites decide to use the monkey’s paw, it reflects their arrogant belief that they can influence their fate, only to be met with shocking outcomes. Jacobs raises questions about the limits of human control and the dangers of defying the natural order.
Desire and Greed: The monkey’s paw serves as a symbolic representation of human desires and the insatiable nature of greed. The Whites’ initial wish for wealth stems from their financial struggles, highlighting the universal theme of the pursuit of material success. However, as the story unfolds, the consequences of their desires reveal the dark side of unchecked ambitions, underscoring a cautionary tale about the cost of unbridled aspiration.
Supernatural and Horror: Jacobs skillfully injects an element of the supernatural into the narrative, creating an atmosphere of suspense and horror. The monkey’s paw, with its supernatural powers, introduces an eerie and mysterious element to the story. These supernatural elements serve as a catalyst for the unfolding tragedy, heightening the tension and engaging readers in a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and the unexplored world.
Characters of the Book
The Whites: The central characters in the story are Mr. and Mrs. White, who serve as the conduits through which the story’s themes are explored. Mr. White is portrayed as a good-natured but imprudent man, motivated by a desire to improve his family’s financial situation. On the other hand, Mrs. White embodies the anguish and despair that accompany the consequences of their desires. Their relationship illustrates the complexities of human nature and the repercussions of succumbing to temptation.
Sergeant-Major Morris: Sergeant-Major Morris acts as the catalyst for the unfolding events. Shaped by his experiences in India, his character serves as a warning against the dangers of meddling with the supernatural. Morris’s reluctance to discuss his own wishes and his haunted demeanor contribute to the story’s ominous atmosphere. His presence foreshadows the tragic events that befall the Whites after they make their wishes.
About The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers
“The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers” is a resource that provides a set of questions and corresponding answers related to the short story “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs.
This resource is designed to help readers and students better understand the story, its themes, characters, and plot by addressing common questions that arise while reading or studying the text.
The questions cover various aspects of the story, such as its central themes, character motivations, plot events, and the deeper meaning behind the narrative.
The answers provide insights and explanations to aid in the comprehension and analysis of the story. Additionally, discussion questions may encourage readers to think critically and engage with the text on a deeper level.
Purpose of The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers
The purpose of “The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers” is to enhance the reader’s comprehension and engagement with the short story. This resource serves several important educational and literary purposes:
Facilitate Comprehension: The questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of the story, helping readers understand its plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. This can be particularly helpful for students and readers who may struggle with understanding certain aspects of the narrative.
Encourage Critical Thinking: The questions are designed to stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills. By answering these questions, readers can delve deeper into the text, explore the story’s complexities, and gain a deeper appreciation of its literary elements.
Promote Discussion: Discussion questions included in the resource encourage readers to engage in thoughtful conversations about the story. These discussions can take place in a classroom setting, book club, or among readers who want to share their interpretations and insights.
Aid in Study and Analysis: Students and educators can use “The Monkey’s Paw Question and Answers” as a study guide or teaching tool. It assists in structuring discussions, essays, or assignments related to the story, making it easier to analyze and explore various aspects of the text.
Uncover Deeper Meaning: The answers to the questions often provide explanations of the story’s underlying themes, symbolism, and character motivations. This helps readers uncover the deeper meaning and messages embedded within the narrative.
Enhance Appreciation of Literature: By providing guidance and insights into “The Monkey’s Paw,” this resource can foster a greater appreciation for literature and encourage readers to explore other literary works with a more critical and discerning eye.
Conclusion
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs is a classic and thought-provoking short story that delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of meddling with the supernatural.
Through the tale of the White family and the cursed monkey’s paw, Jacobs weaves a narrative that is both suspenseful and cautionary.
The story emphasizes the importance of being careful about what one wishes for, as the pursuit of one’s desires can lead to unforeseen and tragic outcomes. It serves as a reminder that sometimes it’s wiser to accept the natural course of life rather than trying to alter it through supernatural means.
FAQs
What is the monkey’s paw story about?
“The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story about a family, the Whites, who come into possession of a magical monkey’s paw that grants them three wishes. However, they soon discover that the wishes come with unintended and tragic consequences.
What is the moral of the story “The Monkey’s Paw”?
The moral of the story is that one should be careful what they wish for and consider the potential consequences of their desires. It also emphasizes the theme that interfering with fate can lead to dire outcomes.
What is the deeper meaning of “The Monkey’s Paw”?
The story explores deeper themes such as the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of fate, the power of greed, and the idea that sometimes it’s better to accept our lot in life rather than trying to change it through supernatural means.
What happened at the end of “The Monkey’s Paw”?
At the end of the story, Mr. White uses his third and final wish to undo the tragic consequences of the previous wishes, resulting in his son’s death. The story concludes with the knocking at the door, leaving the fate of Herbert, their deceased son, ambiguous.
What was the 3rd wish in “The Monkey’s Paw”?
Mr. White’s third wish was to undo the consequences of the second wish, which brought his son Herbert back from the dead but in a gruesome and mutilated state. The wish effectively returned Herbert to the grave.
Is “The Monkey’s Paw” a scary story?
“The Monkey’s Paw” is often considered a horror or supernatural story because of its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. While it may not be terrifying in the traditional sense, it does convey a sense of dread and foreboding.
What is the irony in “The Monkey’s Paw”?
The irony in the story lies in the unintended and tragic consequences of the wishes. Despite the characters’ wishes being granted, they lead to misery and suffering, highlighting the unpredictability of fate.
Why did Mr. White wish for his son to be dead again?
Mr. White made the third wish to undo the horrors of the second wish. Although he loved his son, seeing Herbert in his mutilated and horrifying state was too much for him to bear, so he wished for Herbert to be at peace.
Niketa Mulay, a seasoned content writer and editor, has over a decade of experience. With a Master’s in Journalism, she honed her skills at The Times of India and now freelances across various industries. Passionate about reading, writing, and scuba diving, she shares expert PDF guides and tips at PDFdrivehub.com.
