Literature 6: The Monkey's Paw

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 4

1. Take a guess: The story of The Monkey's Paw was written in what year?

1. 1602
2. 1702
3. 1802
4. 1902

2. Take a guess: True or False "The Monkey's Paw is part of a book full of short stories."

1. True
2. False

What do you think it is about?

3. Take a guess: In the Monkey's Paw, the main character gets to do several wishes. How many?

1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
4. 5

4. Take a guess: True or False "The main character in the book gets a magical paw from an army officer."

1. True
2. False

5. Take a guess: The story uses the plot, setting and dialogue to hint at the future. What is this called?

1. Forehinting
2. Foregoing
3. Foreshadowing
4. Foregathering

The Monkey's Paw

- 1902 by William Wymark Jacobs
- Short story
- Published in The Lady of the Barge
- Short story collection with horror stories

Read the story

Work with your neighbour. What is the exposition? (nr 1 from Freitags pyramid)

Exposition

The story begins with Mr. White and his family gathered in their cozy home on a dark and stormy night. Sergeant-Major Morris visits them and brings along the mysterious monkey's paw, which he claims has the power to grant three wishes.

What is the rising action and climax?

Rising action: Despite Morris's warnings about the paw's sinister nature, the Whites become intrigued and ultimately acquire the paw. They wish for a sum of money, which they later receive—but it comes at a terrible cost, as their son Herbert dies in a tragic accident at work.

Climax: 

The climax occurs when the devastated family realizes the power of the monkey's paw. Mrs. White, overwhelmed by grief, convinces Mr. White to use their last wish to bring their son back to life.

What is the falling action and resolution of the story?

Falling action: After making the wish, they hear a knocking at the door, which Mr. White frantically believes is their resurrected son. As he reaches for the paw to make a final wish, Mrs. White struggles to open the door.

Resolution: The story concludes with Mr. White making his final wish just as his wife manages to open the door, leaving readers uncertain whether the wish was made in time or what they actually encounter at the door.

Can you give an example of the following: foreshadowing, symbols and imagery?

Which themes are present in the story?

There are different ethical matter spresent in the story.

What would you do if you were in the position of the Whites after Herbert's death?

Speaking about the follwoing questions:  (discussion)

1. What ethical considerations should Mr. White take into account before making each wish with the monkey's paw?

2. Do you think the Whites were justified in making their wishes, given the warnings from Sergeant-Major Morris?

3. What are the potential consequences of tampering with fate or supernatural powers, as seen in the story?

4. How does the story explore the idea of greed and its consequences?