Analyzing Symbolism in “The Monkey’s Paw” Worksheet

Introduction:

In W.W. Jacobs’ classic horror story “The Monkey’s Paw,” symbolism plays an important part in helping to set the tone and create an atmosphere of dread and suspense. Through the story’s imagery, readers can gain an understanding of the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their choices. As the story progresses, the symbolism of the monkey’s paw becomes increasingly clear, leading up to the final and most powerful symbol of all.

Symbolism of the Monkey’s Paw:

The title of the story, “The Monkey’s Paw,” serves as a symbol in and of itself. The paw is a physical representation of the danger of meddling with fate, as it grants three wishes but with a sinister twist: each wish carries a heavy price. The paw’s supernatural powers, along with its mysterious origins, are a warning to the characters not to tamper with forces that are beyond their control.

The paw is also a symbol of greed and recklessness. Mr. White, desperate for money, wishes for two hundred pounds without fully understanding the consequences. His wife, Mrs. White, is also too quick to make a wish, although her motivations are more sympathetic. She wishes for her son to be alive, even though she knows it might bring him back in an unnatural state.

The most powerful symbol of the story is the sight of the paw moving in the fire. The movement of the paw is a sign that the wishes are coming true, and that the consequences will soon follow. It serves as a reminder to readers that wishes, no matter how innocent, can have terrible consequences.

Conclusion:

In “The Monkey’s Paw,” the symbol of the paw serves to warn readers against the dangers of greed and recklessness. It also serves as a reminder that wishes, no matter how well-intentioned, can have terrible consequences. Through its symbolism, the story conveys an important lesson: to be careful what you wish for, as it may come true in ways that you never expected.

Exploring Conflict Through “The Monkey’s Paw” Worksheet

Conflict is an essential element of any story, and “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs is no exception. This classic horror story is set up with a simple premise—a family receives a mysterious monkey’s paw that grants them three wishes—but as the story progresses, it quickly becomes clear that the paw’s power is far from benevolent. Through the juxtaposition of vivid descriptions, lighthearted dialogue, and a mounting sense of dread, Jacobs creates a gripping tale of a family’s doomed struggle against fate.

The first conflict that becomes apparent is the struggle between desire and caution. The family is tempted by the prospect of having their wildest dreams granted, but they are also aware of the warning given to them by Sergeant-Major Morris. This internal conflict is made tangible in the dialogue between the father and son, as the father is willing to take the risk while the son is apprehensive.

The second conflict is the family’s battle against the seemingly inevitable consequences of their wishes. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the wishes granted by the paw are far from perfect, and that the family must face the consequences of their desires. This conflict is highlighted by the increasingly desperate language used by the family as they attempt to undo the damage done by their wishes.

The third and most overarching conflict is the struggle against fate. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the family is doomed to suffer no matter what they do. This is made painfully clear in the final lines of the story, when the reader learns the fate of the family’s third wish. This conflict between the family and fate serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard one fights, the outcome is predetermined.

Through his use of vivid descriptions, lighthearted dialogue, and a mounting sense of dread, W.W. Jacobs was able to create a gripping story of conflict and tragedy. Through “The Monkey’s Paw,” the author demonstrates that sometimes, no matter how hard one struggles, fate can be an unstoppable force.

Investigating Theme in “The Monkey’s Paw” Worksheet

Themes

1. Fate vs. Free Will: The story of “The Monkey’s Paw” is a meditation on the role of fate versus free will in our lives. The monkey’s paw has a magical power that grants its owner three wishes, yet the consequences of these wishes are predestined and out of their control. This theme is explored through the actions of the White family, who try to use the monkey’s paw to control their destinies, only to find that they are powerless against the forces of fate.

2. Greed: The theme of greed is explored in “The Monkey’s Paw” as the characters struggle with the temptation of using the paw to gain wealth and power. The Whites are presented with a seemingly simple solution to their financial difficulties, and Mr. White is tempted to use the paw for material gain. However, his greed leads to tragedy when he wishes for money and his son is killed in a work accident.

3. Death and Loss: Death is a major theme in “The Monkey’s Paw,” as the consequences of the White family’s wishes are tragic and irreversible. The death of their son, Herbert, is a poignant reminder of the power and finality of death. This theme is further explored when Mrs. White wishes for her son to return, only to be confronted with the horror of his decaying corpse. The story serves as a warning of the dangers of tampering with fate.

Examining Character Development in “The Monkey’s Paw” Worksheet

The Monkey’s Paw is a classic horror story, written by W.W. Jacobs, that follows the White family as they grapple with the consequences of a mysterious talisman. The eponymous paw grants three wishes, but each comes with a price that the family must pay. The story follows the Whites as they learn the true cost of their wishes and the character development of each family member.

Mr. White is the central character in the story and undergoes the most dramatic transformation. He is initially a hardworking, practical man, content with his lot in life. After his wife wishes for two hundred pounds, he becomes obsessed with the power of the paw, and desperate to make a wish that will improve his life. He suffers a great deal of anguish as he struggles to choose between his conscience and his desire for wealth. His character arc culminates in his realization that money can never replace a lost loved one.

Mrs. White is a supportive and loving wife who wants nothing more than to make her husband happy. Her character development is subtle but significant. Initially, she is willing to accept the consequences of the paw, but as the family’s tragedy deepens, she becomes increasingly scared and desperate to undo the wishes. In the end, she is left with a newfound appreciation for the value of life over material possessions.

Herbert White is the son of Mr. and Mrs. White and his character arc primarily revolves around his relationship with his father. At first, Herbert is a bright-eyed young man, eager to make his father proud and to experience the power of the paw. But after his father’s third wish, Herbert quickly matures and learns the true cost of their actions. He is no longer the naive boy who believes in the power of the talisman, but instead a young man who has seen the dark side of life.

The Monkey’s Paw is a timeless story of greed, loss, and redemption. Through its characters’ arcs, the story conveys a powerful message about the folly of wishing for too much and the importance of cherishing the life you have. Each character undergoes a transformation, from wishing for more than they can handle to learning the value of what they already have. In the end, the Whites come out wiser and more thankful for their blessings.

Conclusion

The Monkey’s Paw Worksheet is an excellent resource for exploring the themes, characters, and symbols of the classic short story. Through this worksheet, students can gain a deeper understanding of the story, allowing them to make meaningful connections between the text and their own lives. By completing this worksheet, students will be better able to appreciate the story and its implications, which can help them to think more critically and analytically.