“The Monkey’s Paw”
Directions: Answer the following using complete sentences. Answers are in blue.
1. What type of mood is established in the beginning of the story? What helps determine that sense of feeling? The
tone and mood of the opening paragraphs is dark and gloomy. The harsh and stormy weather suggests that the
events of the story will not play out well.
2. What magical ability does the monkey’s paw have? The paw has the ability to grant three separate men three
wishes.
3. Why did the fakir place a spell on the paw? The fakir is said to have wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives
and that interfering with it would lead to sorrow.
4. Sergeant Major Morris’ face whitens when he reveals that he has had three wishes. What can you infer about the
paw? We can infer that the consequences of his wishes led to great distress, so much that the mere thought of the
results brought about a change in his appearance.
5. What is probably upsetting the sergeant-major about the White family's lightheartedness toward the paw? He
feels that they might make a senseless wish and have something dreadful happen to them because of it.
6. What was the first man’s third wish? How might this be an example of foreshadowing?
His third wish was for death. This is foreshadowing because it introduces the connection of death and emotional
pain to the wishes granted by the paw.
7. Why doesn't Mr. White know what to wish for? What is Mr. White’s first wish? He says that he seems to have
everything that he’s wanted. He wishes for 200 pounds.
8. What does the paw immediately do after the first wish? What can you infer from this?
The paw twisted in Mr. White's hand "like a snake." This suggests that there is in fact some sort of magical ability
in the paw. The comparison to a snake suggests that the power is evil.
9. What does Mr. White see in the fire the night of his first wish? How is this an example of foreshadowing?
Mr. White sees horrible faces in the fire. This foreshadows a terrible event that will likely bring sorrow.
10. What are the family's feelings about the wish in the morning?
They still have a feeling of skepticism because everything is still the same. Herbert continues to make jokes about
it and his mother laughs as he leaves for work.
11. How do the Whites come to receive the 200 pounds?
The Whites are given the 200 pounds by an agent from Maw and Meggins. The firm wished to give the couple 200
pounds for their loss, but disclaim any responsibility for the accident.
12. Why does Mrs. White want the monkey's paw? What is the second wish?
She wants to wish her boy alive again. Mr. White wishes for their son to be alive again.
13. What do you suppose was the final wish?
We can infer was that the final wish was to get rid of whatever was at the door. Mr. White may have even wished
that Herbert remain dead.
14. What do you think happened at the end of the story? What does he mean when Mr. White begged his wife not
to let "it" into the house? What is he afraid of? Who or what was outside of the house?
Herbert returned to the grave. Mr. White thinks that whatever is outside the front door is not their son, but
something representing their son. He is afraid of what the ‘thing’ outside is.