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 shape the plot.
The second and third sections of the story portray the grim consequences of using the paw. Mr. White’s wish for two hundred pounds, a modest but meaningful sum of money, results in the death of his son: the compensation for his death eerily equals the desired sum. Later, Mr. White’s wish for Herbert to return to life seems to result in the reanimation of his son’s mutilated corpse. If Morris’s account of the paw’s origin is taken at face value, Mr. White’s wishes fall outside the bounds of fate, and thus the misfortunes he receives are punishments for his attempts to interfere with fate. Considered in this way, the story’s moral is presented in a straightforward manner.
From another perspective, however, the paw’s significance is more ambiguous. For one thing, the paw answers each desired deviation from fate with what appears to be a deviation from fate. Although the paw instills regret in those who have made wishes using its powers, it is unclear that its methods prove the indomitability of fate. This ambiguity arises both from the unlikely events occasioned by the paw’s magic and by the difficulty in ascertaining the precise meaning—or intended course—of fate.
It is even possible to read the story as a series of coincidences in which the paw’s magic takes no effect and the trajectory of fate unfolds without the interference of wishers or fakirs. By this reading, Herbert’s death—and the company’s compensation—is a matter of coincidence, and the eerie presence Mr. White presumes to be Hertbert’s risen corpse is a person knocking on the wrong door, an effect of the wind, or something other naturalistic phenomenon. By this reading, fate proceeds of its own accord, regardless of the whims of humans or their claims to magic.
Expert Q&A
Why did Mr. White wish for his son's death again with his last wish in "The Monkey's Paw"?
Mr. White wished for his son's death again with his last wish in "The Monkey's Paw" due to multiple reasons. His son had decomposed, making his return potentially horrifying. Additionally, Mr. White felt immense guilt and fear about the consequences of his initial wish for money, which indirectly caused his son's death. He also feared further repercussions from using the cursed Monkey's Paw.
Does the story's conclusion support the idea that the monkey's paw is cursed, showing that fate rules people's lives?
The conclusion of "The Monkey's Paw" supports the idea that the monkey's paw is cursed and that fate rules people's lives, as evidenced by the tragic outcomes of Mr. White's wishes. Initially wishing for financial ease, Mr. White's desire leads to his son's death, aligning with the fakir's warning that those who interfere with fate will suffer. His subsequent wishes only bring further sorrow, reinforcing the notion that fate is inescapable and meddling with it can lead to dire consequences.
What is the relation between the epigraph and the theme of tempting fate in "The Monkey's Paw"?
In "The Monkey's Paw," how does W.W. Jacobs develop the theme of fate's ultimate control, interference leading to misfortune, or desire for wealth leading to despair?
W.W. Jacobs develops the theme of the desire for wealth leading to despair by illustrating the consequences of tampering with fate. The White family, disregarding the warnings about the monkey's paw, wishes for money, resulting in their son's death. This tragic outcome underlines the fakir's intention to punish those who defy fate. The Whites' attempts to control their future only reveal their powerlessness, as fate ultimately dictates their destiny, turning their desires into despair.
What are the arguments for and against the belief that our lives are controlled by fate?
Arguments for the belief that our lives are controlled by fate include the concept of fatalism, which suggests events are predetermined by a supernatural power, as seen in some interpretations of Islam and Hinduism. Arguments against this belief highlight the notion of free will, particularly in Christianity, where individuals are responsible for their actions and outcomes, guided by faith in God rather than a predetermined fate.
The role of fate in the lives of the White family in "The Monkey's Paw."
In "The Monkey's Paw," fate plays a crucial role in the lives of the White family by demonstrating the consequences of tampering with destiny. Their wishes, driven by desire and grief, lead to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the theme that fate is not to be altered without dire repercussions.
The impact of the monkey's paw on the White family in "The Monkey's Paw"
The impact of the monkey's paw on the White family is devastating. Initially, it brings them hope by granting their wishes, but each wish leads to tragic consequences. Their first wish for money results in their son's death, and subsequent wishes only bring more grief and horror, illustrating the paw's cursed nature and the peril of tampering with fate.
Compare the fates of Mr. White in "The Monkey's Paw" and Paul in "The Rocking-Horse Winner".
The fates of Mr. White and Paul are both driven by the pursuit of money, resulting in tragic outcomes. Mr. White's wish for £200 via the monkey's paw leads to his son Herbert's death, earning the money as compensation. Paul's obsession with winning money through horse races, believing his rocking-horse guides him, culminates in a fatal fever after a major win. Both characters experience irony, as their gains come at a terrible cost.
Why is Herbert logically the first victim of the first wish in The Monkey's Paw?
Herbert is the logical first victim of the first wish because his death aligns with the wish for two hundred pounds, which his employers pay as compensation. The night before, the family stays up late with Sergeant-Major Morris, likely drinking, which could have left Herbert groggy and inattentive at work, leading to his accident. This suggests a connection between the wish and his death, though it might also be coincidental, as Morris suggested such events might appear natural or coincidental.
Could Mr. White have rephrased his first two wishes to achieve his true desires?
Mr. White likely could not have achieved his true desires even with more precise wording of his wishes. The malevolent magic of the paw seems designed to thwart any positive outcomes, as it has historically caused misfortune to its owners. The nature of the paw suggests that even specific wishes would not bypass its curse, as it inherently teaches that nothing is gained without a detrimental cost.
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