Literature Revision

The story is set in a newly-developed English Suburb, around the 1920s. in the starting of the play, on a dark and stormy night, Mr White and Herbert are depicted playing chess and Mrs White knitting (probably a sweater) by the fire. Herbert is winning the game. They are waiting for Sergeant Major Morris. Mr White thinks he is not gonna turn up. Herbert wins the game and Mr White starts getting frustrated and starts shouting about the current political situations (mostly corruption and fake developmental promises). They hear a bang on the door, and suddenly understands Morris has made it. Introductions follow after this. Morris starts comparing this rain to the the rain storms he experienced in Bombay (Morris had spent 21 years in India for the British Army). Herbert puts up his dream about visiting India, but Morris shakes it of by saying "You're better off here". Then Mr White brings up the topic about a monkey's paw, about which they were discussing some other day. Morris tries to change the topic but the Whites start showing interest. Then he goes on that it what you might call a bit of magic, and then pulls out a mummified monkey's paw out of his pocket.Then Mr White enquirers Morris about the paw.

Morris tells them that it had a spell put on it by an old holy man while he was in India. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that anyone who would try to interfere with it would regret later. He put a magic spell so that three people each can have three wishes from it.The Whites enquirer about his experience with the paw. Morris says that he wished on the paw and had the wishes granted, but he was sorry about it. They ask about the paw's history and Morris tells them about the first owner of the paw. He had the three wishes. Morris didn't know what the first two were about, but the third one was for death. That is how Morris got the paw. Then he takes the paw from Mr White, and throws it in the fire, but Mr White jumps and grabs the paw out of the fire before it burned. Morris says that better let it burn, but Mr white says if you don't want it, then give it to me. Then Morris says that if you're smart, you will let it burn. Then Mrs White questions him about how to use the paw, then Morris explains her the procedure but warns her about the consequences. She thinks it is some sort of fairy tale by saying 'Sounds like the Arabian Nights' and jokes about it. Then the table is set for supper, the paw forgotten for the moment and share some light moments. Before going, Morris warns them that if you ever wish, wish for something sensible.

After Morris' departure, the Whites discuss about what to wish from the paw and share a couple of cheeky laughs. At last, Mr White wishes for 200 pounds in order to pay the loan of their house. when he wishes, the paw moves in his hands but no one else believes it. Then they all depart for bed.

The next afternoon, the Whites (excluding Herbert) receive a stranger on their doorstep. He tells the Whites that he was asked to come and see them. He came from Maw and Meggins (The company where Herbert worked). After listening this, Mrs White is scared that something has happened to Herbert and asks the stranger if he is hurt. The stranger replies that Herbert is badly hurt but not in any pain. Mrs white is relieved but understanding hits her. By the phrase 'he is not in any pain', the stranger meant that Herbert is dead. As compensation, the company has offered them a certain sum, which was 200 pounds (the exact amount wished by Mr White the previous night). After this, Mrs White lets out a high-pitched scream and Mr White faints.

This scene is set a week and a half later than the previous scene. Here, we see that Mrs White is standing near the doorway on a cold, stormy night. Mr and Mrs White exchange a casual but grieving conversation. While coming back in, Mrs White gets hit by a brainwave. she forces Mr White to bring down the Monkey's Paw and use the remaining wishes to get Herbert back. Mr White tries various ways to dissuade her, but she listens no more. At last Mr White wishes and as soon as the wish is completed, they hear a knock on their door. Mrs White is convinced that it is Herbert and goes to open the door but Mr White asks her to be sure. When Mrs White doesn't listen to him at all, Mr White probably uses the third wish for Herbert to disappear.

Now we have learnt about both the chapters, it's time to test your knowledge on the chapters and specially, your attention!