The Monkey's Paw

It suggests that believing only in the power of fate can ruin people's lives.

It suggests that people control their own fate and all the events in their lives.

It implies that only some people should have power over the lives or fate of others.

It implies that nobody should try to control their own fate or the lives of other people.

explains why the soldier does not want the monkey's paw

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

illustrates how the soldier thinks the monkey's paw is worthless

hints that nobody really believes in the magic of 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 diligent and sensible about her life

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 the monkey's paw

He knows that the monkey's paw is dangerous.

He doesn't want to touch the disgusting monkey's paw.

He doesn't want to spend one of his wishes trying to bring their son back.

He knows that everything will be okay if he can just make one more wish.

When Mrs. White remembers they have two more wishes

When Mr. White realizes how they can use the second wish

When Mrs. White is trying to open the door

When Mr. White is in bed staring at the candle

shows what the monkey's paw will do to anyone who uses its wishes

suggests that the Mr. White has a vivid imagination

suggests that the monkey's paw has a sense of justice

shows that a badly injured Herbert is rising from the grave

You killed my son!

You're afraid of your own son.

I can't open the door!

It is colder for my son.

He began to talk, the little family circle regarding with eager interest this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of wild scenes and doughty deeds; of wars and plagues and strange peoples. (paragraph 13)

"Well, it's just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps," said the sergeant-major off-handedly. (paragraph 21)

"The first man had his three wishes. Yes," was the reply; "I don't know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw." (paragraph 33)

"If the tale about the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time for him to catch the last train, "we shan't make much out of it." (paragraph 49)