What is the story “The Monkey’s Paw” about? “The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story written by W. W. Jacobs in 1902. It is a classic example of a supernatural horror tale that explores the themes of fate, greed, and the consequences of wishing for more than one can handle. The story revolves around a mysterious, ancient paw of a monkey that grants its owner three wishes, but with dire consequences.
The story begins with the White family, consisting of Mr. White, his wife Mrs. White, their son Herbert, and their lodger, Mr. Morris. The family is struggling financially, and Mr. White, a former soldier, is looking for a way to improve their situation. One day, he comes across an old, dusty box in the attic, which contains the monkey’s paw. The paw is said to be enchanted and can grant its owner three wishes.
Curiosity gets the better of Mr. White, and he decides to test the paw’s power. He makes his first wish for money, and to his astonishment, he receives a large sum of cash. However, the money comes with a heavy price. His son Herbert, who is eager to join the army, is killed in a tragic accident. Devastated by the loss, Mr. White regrets his wish and seeks to undo the harm.
Determined to reverse the curse, Mr. White makes his second wish for Herbert’s life to be restored. But as he realizes, the second wish is already too late, as Herbert is already dead. The third wish is for the paw to be destroyed, hoping to end the curse once and for all. However, the paw, now in the possession of Mr. Morris, grants a final, unexpected and chilling wish that leaves the reader questioning the true nature of fate and the consequences of one’s actions.
“The Monkey’s Paw” is a chilling tale that serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of greed and the unpredictable nature of fate. The story’s suspenseful and eerie atmosphere, combined with its thought-provoking themes, has made it a timeless classic in the realm of horror literature. What is the story “The Monkey’s Paw” about? It is about the perils of wishing for more than one can handle and the consequences that follow.
