"Monkey's Paw"

To hint towards the future

To repeat something already stated

To backtrack on an important event in the story

To hint towards the past

To help reader make predictions

To help the reader comprehend was already happened

To tell the story in order

To build suspense

implies that the soldier does not want the monkey’s paw

predicts that something bad will come from the monkey's paw

illustrates that the soldier is scared of the monkey’s paw

hints that people do not believe in the monkey’s paw

It shows that Herbert believes monsters are real.

It points to the idea that Herbert will be harmed.

It hints that some kind of evil will visit the White family.

It suggests that the White family is in need of money

show that Mrs. White is a diligent and sensible housekeeper

reveal that Mrs. White has little trust in her postman’s ability

reveal that Mrs. White believes in the monkey’s paw more than she lets on

show that Mrs. White is nervous and apprehensive about what might happen

Text Structure

Cause and Effect

Life Lesson

Main Idea

It illustrates that believing in the power of the monkey’s paw could ruin people’s lives.

It suggests that we all have control over our own fate and using the monkey’s paw will not change fate.

It implies that the monkey’s paw can rule people’s lives and fates.

It shows that nobody has control of their own fate without the monkey’s paw