Overview of "The Monkey's Paw"
"The Monkey's Paw" was published in 1902 and has since become a staple of English literature. The story follows the White family—Mr. Herbert White, Mrs. White, and their son, Herbert—who come into possession of a mystical monkey's paw that grants three wishes. However, the wishes come with unintended consequences, leading to tragic outcomes.
Plot Summary
1. Introduction to the Whites: The story opens with the White family enjoying a quiet evening in their home. Mr. White is playing chess with his son, and Mrs. White is busy with household chores.
2. The Arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris: The family's peaceful existence is interrupted by the arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris, a family friend who has just returned from India. He brings with him the monkey's paw, which he describes as having magical properties.
3. The Warning: Morris warns the Whites about the dangers of the paw, explaining that it grants three wishes but that those wishes come with a heavy price. Despite his warnings, the Whites are intrigued and ultimately persuade him to leave the paw with them.
4. First Wish: Mr. White makes the first wish for a sum of £200. The next day, the family receives the money, but it comes as compensation for Herbert's tragic death in an accident at work.
5. Second Wish: Overcome with grief, Mrs. White insists on making a second wish to bring Herbert back to life. Though Mr. White is hesitant, he eventually complies.
6. The Aftermath: The couple hears a knocking at their door, which they believe to be Herbert. Mr. White, fearing the consequences of their wish, uses the final wish to undo the previous one.
7. Conclusion: The story ends with the knocking stopping abruptly, leaving the reader to ponder the implications of their actions and the true cost of desire.
Quiz Questions and Answer Key
To help students engage with the text, here is a hypothetical quiz based on "The Monkey's Paw," along with an answer key.
Quiz Questions
1. What are the names of the three members of the White family?
2. Who introduces the monkey's paw to the family?
3. What does the monkey's paw allow the holder to do?
4. What was the first wish made by Mr. White?
5. What tragic event occurs as a result of the first wish?
6. How does Mrs. White react to Herbert's death?
7. What is the second wish made by Mrs. White?
8. What does Mr. White fear as he and Mrs. White await Herbert’s return?
9. How does the story conclude?
10. What moral lesson can be drawn from the events of the story?
Answer Key
1. The names of the three members of the White family are Mr. White, Mrs. White, and Herbert White.
2. Sergeant-Major Morris introduces the monkey's paw to the family.
3. The monkey's paw allows the holder to make three wishes.
4. The first wish made by Mr. White is for £200.
5. The tragic event that occurs as a result of the first wish is Herbert's death in an accident at work.
6. Mrs. White is devastated and insists on making a second wish to bring Herbert back to life.
7. The second wish made by Mrs. White is to resurrect Herbert.
8. Mr. White fears that Herbert will return in a grotesque state or that there will be dire consequences for their wish.
9. The story concludes with Mr. White using the final wish to undo the second wish, leading to a cessation of the knocking at the door.
10. The moral lesson of the story emphasizes the dangers of interfering with fate and the unforeseen consequences of desires.
Thematic Analysis
"The Monkey's Paw" is rich with themes that resonate with readers and provoke thought about human nature and the consequences of our actions.
Fate and Free Will
One of the central themes of the story is the tension between fate and free will. The monkey's paw represents the idea that humans can manipulate their destiny, yet the outcomes are often beyond their control. The Whites believe they can change their fate through wishes, but they ultimately discover that such interference leads to disastrous consequences.
The Dangers of Greed and Desire
The story also explores the idea that unchecked desires can lead to ruin. Mr. White's initial wish for money stems from a materialistic perspective, and this greed sets off a chain of events that culminates in tragedy. The narrative warns against the pursuit of superficial desires without considering the potential repercussions.
Parental Grief
Mrs. White's reaction to her son's death highlights the theme of parental grief. Her desperation to bring Herbert back reflects the deep emotional pain that comes with loss. The story poignantly illustrates how grief can cloud judgment, leading individuals to make irrational decisions in the hope of reversing their suffering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the monkeys paw quiz answer key serves as an essential educational resource for engaging with W.W. Jacobs' "The Monkey's Paw." By understanding the plot, themes, and moral lessons presented in the story, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the narrative and its implications. The quiz not only assesses comprehension but also encourages critical thinking about the nature of desire, fate, and the consequences of our choices. As readers reflect on the tale of the monkey's paw, they are reminded of the age-old adage: be careful what you wish for, for you just might get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'The Monkey's Paw'?
The main theme is the idea of fate and how interfering with it can lead to unintended consequences.
Who is the author of 'The Monkey's Paw'?
The author is W.W. Jacobs.
What does the monkey's paw symbolize?
The monkey's paw symbolizes the danger of tampering with fate and the consequences of greed.
How many wishes does the monkey's paw grant?
The monkey's paw grants three wishes.
What happens after the first wish is granted?
After the first wish is granted for two hundred pounds, the family receives the money but at the cost of their son Herbert's life.
What is the ultimate consequence of the third wish?
The ultimate consequence of the third wish is that the protagonist wishes for his son to return to the grave, resulting in an unknown and horrifying outcome.
How does the story end?
The story ends ambiguously, with the mother hearing a knock at the door after the third wish and the father trying to stop her from opening it.
What lesson can be learned from 'The Monkey's Paw'?
The lesson is to be careful what you wish for, as desires can lead to tragic outcomes.
