The Monkey’s Paw: A Summary
“The Monkey’s Paw” is a classic short story by W.W. Jacobs, first published in 1902. The story follows the White family, who are visited by a mysterious fakir who gives them a monkey’s paw that is said to grant three wishes. The Whites are initially skeptical, but they eventually decide to try it out. They make three wishes, but each wish comes with a terrible price.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the White family sitting around the fire on a cold winter night. Mr. White is reading a book about India, and he tells his wife and son, Herbert, about a fakir he met in India who gave him a monkey’s paw. The fakir told Mr. White that the paw had the power to grant three wishes, but he warned him that each wish would come with a terrible price.
Mr. White is skeptical, but Mrs. White and Herbert are intrigued. They convince Mr. White to make a wish. He reluctantly agrees, and he wishes for 200 pounds. The next day, Mr. White receives a letter from his employer informing him that his son, Herbert, has been killed in a factory accident. The company has sent Mr. White 200 pounds as compensation.
Mr. and Mrs. White are devastated by Herbert’s death, but they are also relieved that they have the money to pay for his funeral and other expenses. However, they soon begin to realize that the monkey’s paw is responsible for Herbert’s death. They try to destroy the paw, but it is too late.
The Whites make two more wishes, but each wish comes with a terrible price. In the end, they are left with nothing but regret and sorrow.
Themes
“The Monkey’s Paw” explores several themes, including the dangers of greed, the power of fate, and the consequences of one’s actions. The story also raises questions about the nature of reality and the existence of the supernatural.
Characters
- Mr. White: The head of the White family. He is a skeptical and practical man.
- Mrs. White: Mr. White’s wife. She is a kind and loving woman who is more open to the supernatural than her husband.
- Herbert: The White’s son. He is a young man who is full of life and promise.
- The Fakir: A mysterious man who gives Mr. White the monkey’s paw. He is a symbol of fate and the supernatural.
Setting
The story takes place in England in the early 1900s. The White family lives in a small house in a working-class neighborhood. The story is set during a cold winter, which adds to the sense of isolation and despair.
Style
Jacobs uses simple language and straightforward storytelling to create a sense of suspense and horror. The story is told from the point of view of Mr. White, which allows the reader to experience the events of the story through his eyes.
Adaptations
“The Monkey’s Paw” has been adapted into several films, television shows, and radio dramas. The most famous adaptation is the 1933 film directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack.
Related Links