illustration of an open-faced monkey's paw with a skull design on the palm

The Monkey's Paw

by W. W. Jacobs

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The Monkey’s Paw Themes

The main themes in “The Monkey’s Paw” are fate, the unknown, and grief and loss.

  • Fate: Through the conceit of the monkey’s paw, the story explores the importance of fate in human life.
  • The unknown: The story dramatizes the tension between the known and the unknown, showing the dangers of the latter.
  • Grief and loss: The story depicts the psychological effects of grief and loss.

Themes: All Themes

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Themes: Fate

The central theme of “The Monkey’s Paw” concerns the role of fate in human life. When Sergeant-Major Morris introduces the monkey’s paw to the Whites, he explains the reason for its conception. It was devised by “an old fakir . . . [who] wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.” As such, the story foregrounds the moral significance of the monkey’s paw before it begins to tangibly...

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Themes: The Unknown

The story portrays the realm of the known as being preferable to the unknown, a theme in keeping with the story’s atmosphere of horror. Early on in the story, Sergeant-Major Morris tells of the exciting and varied events he witnessed during his twenty-one years in India. When Mr. White then expresses an interest in going to India, Morris soberly replies, “Better where you are.” This scene establishes the thematic tension between the known and the...

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Themes: Grief and Loss

The third section of the story explores the psychology of bereavement. Having suffered the loss of Herbert, the Whites struggle to accept the tragic turn their lives have taken. At first, Mr. and Mrs. White maintain an expectation that the weight of their grief must somehow be alleviated, but both gradually give in to “resignation,” “apathy,” and “weariness.” 

At a certain point, Mr. and Mrs. White diverge in their psychological...

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Themes: Consequences

In "The Monkey's Paw," the theme of consequences is central to the narrative. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the unforeseen repercussions of interfering with fate. The White family comes into possession of a cursed monkey's paw that grants three wishes, but each wish carries unintended and tragic consequences. This theme is reinforced through the experiences of the characters and the moral lesson that unfolds.

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Expert Q&A

What is the main idea of "The Monkey's Paw"?

The main idea of "The Monkey's Paw" is to be prepared to pay a price for your foolish, credulous behavior.

What is the main conflict in "The Monkey's Paw"?

The main conflict in "The Monkey's Paw" arises when the White family, intrigued by the paw's power, makes wishes that lead to unintended and tragic consequences. The family's first wish for money results in their son's death, highlighting the paw's curse. Subsequent wishes bring further misfortune, illustrating the theme that interfering with fate can lead to sorrow. The story emphasizes the idea that solutions can create new problems, embodying the warning to "be careful what you wish for."

What are the causes and effects in "The Monkey's Paw"?

The causes in "The Monkey's Paw" stem from the White family's desire to control their fate, driven by their wish for financial gain. This hubris leads them to use the paw, despite warnings, resulting in tragic consequences. The effects include the loss of their son and a stark lesson in the futility of interfering with destiny. Each decision they make impacts their relationships, illustrating the cost of trying to alter one's fate.

"The Monkey's Paw" Themes, Character Development, and Literary Elements Analysis

"The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs explores themes of fate, greed, and the consequences of attempting to alter destiny. The story's moral warns that interfering with fate leads to sorrow, as seen when the White family's wish for money results in their son's tragic death. The tale underscores the adage "be careful what you wish for," highlighting that desires fulfilled without effort can have unforeseen and dire consequences. Ultimately, the story cautions against greed and the temptation to change one's destiny.

Themes and their conveyance in "The Monkey's Paw."

In "The Monkey's Paw," key themes include fate, consequences, and the danger of tampering with the natural order. These themes are conveyed through the story's plot, where the White family's wishes on the cursed monkey's paw lead to tragic and unforeseen consequences, emphasizing that interfering with fate can bring about dire repercussions.

Symbolism and Themes of the Monkey's Paw

In "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, the monkey's paw is a talisman believed to grant three wishes to its owner, supposedly demonstrating the futility of attempting to alter fate. The story explores themes of greed and the consequences of interfering with destiny. Despite Sergeant-Major Morris's warnings about the paw's sinister nature, the White family uses it to wish for money, resulting in tragic consequences. The paw symbolizes the dangers of materialism and the peril of manipulating fate, reflecting a moral about the unforeseen repercussions of fulfilled desires.

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Themes: Fate

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