The Monkey’s Paw Short story by W.W. Jacobs

The Monkey's Paw Short story by W.W. Jacobs

The Monkey's Paw is a chilling short story by W.W. Jacobs that explores themes of fate, consequence, and the supernatural. The narrative follows the White family, who come into possession of a mysterious monkey's paw that grants three wishes, each leading to unexpected and tragic outcomes. As they grapple with the consequences of their desires, the story delves into the dangers of tampering with fate. This classic tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the perils of greed and the unforeseen repercussions of one's choices. Ideal for readers interested in horror literature and moral dilemmas.

Key Points

  • Explores the themes of fate and the consequences of wishes in a supernatural context.
  • Follows the White family as they encounter the mysterious monkey's paw that grants three wishes.
  • Highlights the tragic outcomes of each wish, emphasizing the dangers of greed and desire.
  • Serves as a classic example of horror literature with moral implications.
  • Written by W.W. Jacobs, this story remains a staple in discussions of supernatural fiction.
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THE MONKEY'S PAW (1902)
from The lady of the barge (1906, 6th ed.)
London and New York
Harper & Brothers, Publishers
by W.W. Jacobs
I.
WITHOUT, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the
fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving
radical changes, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the
white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.
"Hark at the wind," said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late, was amiably desirous
of preventing his son from seeing it.
"I'm listening," said the latter, grimly surveying the board as he stretched out his hand. "Check."
"I should hardly think that he'd come to-night," said his father, with his hand poised over the board.
"Mate," replied the son.
"That's the worst of living so far out," bawled Mr. White, with sudden and unlooked-for violence; "of all the
beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way places to live in, this is the worst. Pathway's a bog, and the road's a torrent. I
don't know what people are thinking about. I suppose because only two houses on the road are let, they think it
doesn't matter."
"Never mind, dear," said his wife soothingly; "perhaps you'll win the next one."
Mr. White looked up sharply, just in time to intercept a knowing glance between mother and son. The words
died away on his lips, and he hid a guilty grin in his thin grey beard.
"There he is," said Herbert White, as the gate banged to loudly and heavy footsteps came toward the door.
The old man rose with hospitable haste, and opening the door, was heard condoling with the new arrival. The
new arrival also condoled with himself, so that Mrs. White said, "Tut, tut!" and coughed gently as her husband
entered the room, followed by a tall burly man, beady of eye and rubicund of visage.
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"Sergeant-Major Morris," he said, introducing him.
The sergeant-major shook hands, and taking the proffered seat by the fire, watched contentedly while his host
got out whisky and tumblers and stood a small copper kettle on the fire.
At the third glass his eyes got brighter, and he began to talk, the little family circle regarding with eager interest
this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of strange scenes and
doughty deeds; of wars and plagues and strange peoples.
"Twenty-one years of it," said Mr. White, nodding at his wife and son. "When he went away he was a slip of a
youth in the warehouse. Now look at him."
"He don't look to have taken much harm," said Mrs. White, politely.
"I'd like to go to India myself," said the old man, "just to look round a bit, you know."
"Better where you are," said the sergeant-major, shaking his head. He put down the empty glass, and sighing
softly, shook it again.
"I should like to see those old temples and fakirs and jugglers," said the old man. "What was that you started
telling me the other day about a monkey's paw or something, Morris?"
"Nothing," said the soldier hastily. "Leastways, nothing worth hearing."
"Monkey's paw?" said Mrs. White curiously.
"Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps," said the sergeant-major off-handedly.
His three listeners leaned forward eagerly. The visitor absentmindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set
it down again. His host filled it for him.
"To look at," said the sergeant-major, fumbling in his pocket, "it's just an ordinary little paw, dried to a
mummy."
He took something out of his pocket and proffered it. Mrs. White drew back with a grimace, but her son,
taking it, examined it curiously.
"And what is there special about it?" inquired Mr. White, as he took it from his son and, having examined it,
placed it upon the table.
"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir," said the sergeant-major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate
ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three
separate men could each have three wishes from it."
His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat.
"Well, why don't you have three, sir?" said Herbert White cleverly.
The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. "I have," he said
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quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.
"And did you really have the three wishes granted?" asked Mrs. White.
"I did," said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.
"And has anybody else wished?" inquired the old lady.
"The first man had his three wishes, yes," was the reply. "I don't know what the first two were, but the third was
for death. That's how I got the paw."
His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group.
"If you've had your three wishes, it's no good to you now, then, Morris," said the old man at last. "What do you
keep it for?"
The soldier shook his head. "Fancy, I suppose," he said slowly.
"If you could have another three wishes," said the old man, eyeing him keenly, "would you have them?"
"I don't know," said the other. "I don't know."
He took the paw, and dangling it between his front finger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White,
with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off.
"Better let it burn," said the soldier solemnly.
"If you don't want it, Morris," said the old man, "give it to me."
"I won't," said his friend doggedly. "I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch
it on the fire again, like a sensible man."
The other shook his head and examined his new possession closely. "How do you do it?" he inquired.
"Hold it up in your right hand and wish aloud,' said the sergeant-major, "but I warn you of the consequences."
"Sounds like the Arabian Nights," said Mrs White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think
you might wish for four pairs of hands for me?"
Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket and then all three burst into laughter as the sergeant-major, with
a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm.
"If you must wish," he said gruffly, "wish for something sensible."
Mr. White dropped it back into his pocket, and placing chairs, motioned his friend to the table. In the business
of supper the talisman was partly forgotten, and afterward the three sat listening in an enthralled fashion to a
second instalment of the soldier's adventures in India.
"If the tale about the monkey paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the
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FAQs of The Monkey’s Paw Short story by W.W. Jacobs

What is the main conflict in The Monkey's Paw?
The main conflict in The Monkey's Paw revolves around the White family's struggle with the consequences of their wishes granted by the monkey's paw. Initially, they are excited about the potential of the paw to fulfill their desires, but each wish leads to unforeseen and tragic outcomes. The family's desires clash with the harsh realities of fate, ultimately leading to a moral lesson about the dangers of interfering with destiny. This conflict drives the narrative and highlights the theme of unintended consequences.
How does the monkey's paw affect the White family?
The monkey's paw profoundly affects the White family by granting them three wishes that come with dire consequences. Each wish reveals the darker side of their desires, leading to tragedy and loss. For instance, the first wish for money results in the death of their son, Herbert, as compensation for his accident. This loss forces the family to confront the true cost of their wishes, illustrating the story's central theme of the perils of greed and the unpredictability of fate.
What are the wishes made by the White family?
The White family makes three wishes using the monkey's paw, each leading to tragic consequences. The first wish is for two hundred pounds, which is granted through the death of their son, Herbert, who dies in an accident at work. The second wish, made in grief, is for Herbert to return to life, which brings about a horrifying realization of what that might entail. The final wish is made in desperation to undo the previous wishes, highlighting the story's theme of the irreversible nature of their choices.
What is the significance of the monkey's paw as a symbol?
The monkey's paw serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of temptation and the consequences of human desire. It represents the idea that wishes, while seemingly harmless, can lead to devastating outcomes when they interfere with fate. The paw's ability to grant wishes reflects the human inclination to seek control over destiny, but the tragic results emphasize the moral lesson that some forces should remain untouched. This symbolism enriches the narrative, making it a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and the unknown.

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