Questions and Answers
What type of mood is established in the beginning of the story?
Dark and ominous, a very spooky feeling.
What magical ability does the monkey's paw have?
It can grant any man 3 wishes.
Why did the fakir place a spell on the paw?
To show that fate ruled people's lives.
What can you infer about the paw based on Sergeant Major Morris' reaction?
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What is probably upsetting Sergeant Major Morris about the White family's lightheartedness toward the paw?
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What was the first man's third wish and how might this example foreshadow events in the book?
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Why doesn't Mr. White know what to wish for and what is his first wish?
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What does the paw immediately do after the first wish?
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What does Mr. White see in the fire the night of his first wish, and what does this infer?
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What are the family's feelings toward the first wish in the morning?
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How do the Whites get 200 pounds?
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Why does Mrs. White want the monkey's paw, and what is the second wish?
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What do you suppose was the final wish?
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What do you think happened at the end of the story, and what does Mr. White mean when he begs his wife not to let 'it' into the house?
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What could be a more creative title than 'The Monkey's Paw'?
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Study Notes
Mood and Atmosphere
- The story begins with a dark and ominous mood, creating a spooky ambiance.
- Negative connotations in the author's language contribute to the unsettling feeling.
Magical Elements
- The monkey's paw possesses the magical ability to grant three wishes to its owner.
Fate and Consequences
- A fakir placed a spell on the paw to demonstrate that fate governs human lives.
Sergeant Major Morris' Concerns
- Morris's pale face upon revealing the paw's wishing capabilities suggests the wishes lead to undesirable outcomes.
Family's Naivety
- The White family's lighthearted attitude toward the paw frustrates Morris due to their ignorance of its potential negative consequences.
Foreshadowing
- The first man's third wish was for death, indicating the sinister nature of the monkey's paw and hinting at future tragedy.
Mr. White's Wishes
- Mr. White is unsure of his wishes, feeling he has everything he needs. His first wish is for £200.
Immediate Reaction to Wishes
- The paw moves after the first wish is made, indicating its supernatural nature.
Visions in the Fire
- Mr. White sees the paw in the fire, serving as foreshadowing for the impending horror.
Initial Reactions
- The next morning, the Whites dismiss their concerns about the sergeant-major and the monkey's paw, thinking it was silly.
Tragic Consequences
- The family receives £200 as compensation for their son’s death at work, illustrating the grim results of their wish.
Mother's Desperation
- Mrs. White's desire for the paw stems from her wish to resurrect their son, highlighting her grief.
Final Wish Implications
- The final wish is speculated to be death or the desire for the son never to have existed, emphasizing the story's themes of loss.
Conclusion of the Story
- At the story's end, Mr. White wishes for his son to remain dead, fearing the consequences of his resurrection, which leads to suspense about a ghastly figure outside their home.
Alternative Title Suggestion
- "The Spooky Paw" reflects the overall themes and tone of the story effectively.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key elements of W.W. Jacobs' 'The Monkey's Paw'. This quiz covers the mood established in the beginning of the story and explores the magical abilities of the titular object. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!
