the monkey's paw critical thinking answers

The Monkey's Paw: Synopsis and Study Questions

The Famous Tale of Choice and Fateful Consequences

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"The Monkey's Paw," written by W.W. Jacobs in 1902, is a famous supernatural tale of choice and tragic consequences that's been adapted and imitated for both stage and screen. The story revolves around the White family—mother, father, and their son, Herbert—who receive a fateful visit from a friend, Sergeant-Major Morris. Morris, late of India, shows the Whites a monkey's paw fetish he's acquired as a souvenir of his travels. He tells the Whites that the paw is reputed to grant three wishes to any person who possesses it, but also cautions that the talisman is cursed and that those who accept the wishes it grants do so at great cost.

When Morris tries to throw the monkey's paw into the fireplace, Mr. White quickly retrieves it, despite his guest's earnest protests that the thing is not to be trifled with:

"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir," said the sergeant-major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." 

Ignoring Morris' warnings, Mr. White decides to keep the paw, and at Herbert's suggestion, he wishes for £200 to pay off the mortgage. As he makes the wish, White claims to feel the monkey's paw twisting in his grip, however, no money appears. Herbert teases his father for believing the paw might have magic properties. "I don't see the money and I bet I never shall," he says, little knowing just how true his statement will turn out to be.

A day later, Herbert is killed in an accident at work, mangled to death in the twisting grasp of a piece of machinery. The company disavows liability but does offer the Whites a payment of £200 for their loss. More than a week after the funeral, a distraught Mrs. White begs her husband to wish their son back to life, to which he eventually agrees. It's only when the couple hears a knock at the door that they realize they don't know if Herbert, who has been dead and buried 10 for days, is going to return to them as he was prior to his accident—or in the form of a mangled, decomposing ghoul. In desperation, Mr. White uses his final wish...and when Mrs. White finally opens the door, there's no one there.

Questions for Study and Discussion

• This is a very short story, and Jacobs has a lot to do in very little time to achieve his goals. How does he reveal which characters are trustworthy and reliable, and which ones may not be? 
• Why do you think Jacobs chose a monkey's paw as the talisman? Is there symbolism attached to a monkey that isn't associated with another animal? 
• Is the central theme of the story simply, "Be careful what you wish for," or are there broader implications?
• This story has been compared to the works of Edgar Allan Poe . Is there a work of Poe's this story closely relates to? What other works of fiction does "The Monkey's Paw" evoke?
• How does Jacobs use foreshadowing in this story? Was it effective in building a sense of dread, or did you find it melodramatic and predictable?
• Are the characters consistent in their actions? Are they fully developed? 
• How essential is setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
• How would this story have been different if it were set in the present day?
• "The Monkey's Paw" is considered a work of supernatural fiction. Do you agree with the classification? Why or why not?
• What do you think Herbert would have looked like if Mrs. White had opened the door before Mr. White used the final wish? Would it have been an undead Herbert standing on the threshold?
• Does the story end the way you expected? Do you think the reader is supposed to believe that everything that took place was just a series of coincidences, or that there really were metaphysical forces involved?
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The Monkey's Paw. 30 multiple-choice questions (Editable)

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

31 March 2024

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The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs, with this comprehensive set of 30 multiple-choice questions. Designed to delve deep into the text, these thought-provoking questions cover key themes, character analysis, plot details, and literary devices, providing valuable insights for both assessment and classroom discussion. Perfect for literature studies, literature, comprehension, critical thinking, discussion and independent learning.

Note to Buyers This resource does not contain answer keys. We intentionally designed it this way to encourage students to actively engage with the text and collaborate in finding their own answers. Embrace the opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills and explore diverse interpretations while working through the comprehension questions

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The Monkey's Paw: 6 Critical Thinking Lesson Plans (Story Included)

Description

This lesson plan covers the short story "The Monkey's Paw" by WW Jacobs. The short story is included in a reader-friendly format as part of this PDF.

This set of lesson plans is also included in our Best Short Stories for Middle School compilation of plans for 16 different classic stories, available for only $12.99.

Our lesson plans are divided into the following sections:

Each of our lesson plans begins with a short intro page giving a brief review of the story and its publication history: when it was first published and where.

Story in Context

Brief background is provided for certain concepts that students may be unfamiliar with. Enough to encourage class discussion, but not enough to be distracting to the story itself.

Stories in Conversation

Stories do not exist in a vacuum. Our lesson plans try to connect the dots between the story itself and other stories, movies, and media that came before and after.

Interrogating Characters

Interrogating Characters presents students with a way to engage with specific characters in the story. We select characters other than the main character or narrator so that students can ponder other points of view.

Missing in Action

Every story has gaps or missing points of view. In Missing in Action, we ask students to consider those neglected viewpoints in order to gain a better understanding of what the author has left out.

Analyzing Language

Analyzing Language provides 6 questions that look specifically at the language the author has used and asks students to consider those choices to better understand the story.

Each lesson plan has one Activity. Some are solo projects, others are done with partners or in groups. Activities engage students with the text in ways that are analytical but not based on essay responses.

Launchpad asks students to write their own stories using the story selection as a starting point. Usually this is a continuation of the tale that asks students to use their imaginations.

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The Monkey's Paw

Critical thinking.

In the play, is Mr white right to make his final wish ?

Mr. Wright believes that his final wish will end the nightmare.... thus, he makes it. The wish was his to make, and if we believe that his wishes had any power, only the wish could send away Herbert's ressurected body.

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• Comprehension Questions

The Monkey’s Paw – Questions and Answers [Free PDF]

• Posted by by ESL Questions About
• 4 months ago

Table of Contents

The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs is a classic short story that unfolds in the modest living room of the White family. The narrative revolves around the discovery of a mystical monkey’s paw, capable of granting three wishes. Intrigued by the prospect of fulfilling their desires, the Whites soon realize the dark and unforeseen consequences that accompany their wishes, leading to a tale of suspense, tragedy, and the haunting impact of tampering with the supernatural.

In the story, Sergeant-Major Morris introduces the White family to a magical monkey’s paw, sparking their curiosity about its wish-granting abilities. Skeptical yet tempted, the Whites make wishes that set off a chain of events with chilling outcomes. The consequences of tampering with fate become evident, leaving the family to grapple with the harsh reality of their choices. “The Monkey’s Paw” weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and the profound impact of meddling with supernatural forces, creating a compelling narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind.

Today’s questions are based on the following pdf ( available here) also If you are looking for the downloadable PDF worksheet please see the “Free Worksheet Button” at the bottom of the page.

The Monkey’s Paw Part 1 Comprehension Questions

• Where did the story begin, and how was the weather outside?
• What were the dad and son doing in the room?
• Why did Mr. White ask his son to listen to the wind?
• What bothered Mr. White about where they lived?
• Who is the new person, and why is the old man sorry for him?
• What did Sergeant-Major Morris talk about?
• How did Herbert suggest testing the monkey’s paw, and what happened when Mr. White wished?
• How did Herbert react to his dad’s wish, and what strange thing happened with the wish?

The Monkey’s Paw Part 1 Comprehension Answers

• Answer: The story started in a small room, and it was cold outside.
• Answer: The dad and son were playing chess.
• Answer: Mr. White asked his son to listen to the wind to distract him.
• Answer: Mr. White was frustrated about living in a faraway place with mud and a river-like road.
• Answer: The new person is Sergeant-Major Morris, and he is sorry for losing someone.
• Answer: Sergeant-Major Morris shared a story about a magical monkey’s paw with three wishes.
• Answer: Herbert suggested testing the paw, and when Mr. White wished, the paw moved in his hand.
• Answer: Herbert didn’t believe his dad’s wish, and the paw twisted, surprising everyone.

The Monkey’s Paw Part 2 Comprehension Questions

• What did the family use to make a wish?
• How did the room feel the morning after making the wish?
• Where did they put the magical paw?
• Why did Mrs. White not believe in wishes coming true?
• What did Herbert playfully warn his father about the money?
• Who was the stranger, and why did he come to the house?
• How did Mrs. White react when she heard the news about Herbert?
• What happened to Herbert, and how did Mrs. White feel at first?
• What did the visitor offer the family as compensation?

The Monkey’s Paw Part 2 Comprehension Answers

• Answer: They used the monkey’s paw.
• Answer: The room felt normal, with health and happiness.
• Answer: They put the paw on a cabinet.
• Answer: Mrs. White thought wishes couldn’t come true in modern times.
• Answer: Herbert warned not to break into the money before he returned from work.
• Answer: The stranger was from “Maw and Meggins,” sharing news about Herbert and offering compensation.
• Answer: Mrs. White reacted with alarm when she heard the news about Herbert.
• Answer: Herbert was badly hurt in an accident. Mrs. White felt relieved at first that he wasn’t in pain.
• Answer: The visitor offered two hundred pounds as compensation for Herbert’s accident.

The Monkey’s Paw Part 3 Comprehension Questions

• What happened in the huge new cemetery?
• How did the old couple feel after their son’s death?
• What did the old man hear in the night that made him wake up?
• Where did the old woman want to go after waking up the old man?
• What did the old woman want to wish for using the monkey’s paw?
• Why was the old man hesitant to make another wish?
• What did the old woman do when the old man refused to make the wish?
• What happened after the old man made the wish for his son to be alive again?
• How did the story end for the old couple?

The Monkey’s Paw Part 3 Comprehension Answers

• Answer: The old people buried their dead in the huge new cemetery.
• Answer: They felt a load too heavy for old hearts to bear. (Very Sad)
• Answer: The old man heard his wife crying quietly at the window.
• Answer: The old woman wanted to go to the living room to get the monkey’s paw.
• Answer: The old woman wanted to wish their son alive again.
• Answer: The old man thought it was foolish and wicked to make another wish.
• Answer: The old woman went to the living room, found the monkey’s paw, and insisted on making the wish.
• Answer: The knocking stopped suddenly, and the old woman opened the door to find the street quiet and deserted.
• Answer: The story ended with the old couple realizing the consequences of their wishes, and the street outside was quiet and deserted.

Why do we Recommend “The Monkey’s Paw” for your Classroom?

• Engaging Narrative: The story’s suspenseful and mysterious plot captivates students’ attention, making it an engaging read.
• Exploration of Themes: The narrative explores timeless themes such as the consequences of tampering with fate, the desire for more, and the price of unchecked ambition.
• Character Development: Students can analyze the characters’ choices and the impact of their decisions, promoting critical thinking and discussion.
• Supernatural Elements: The inclusion of a magical monkey’s paw adds a supernatural element, making it a great introduction to the fantasy genre.
• Language and Style: W.W. Jacobs’ writing style is accessible yet rich in language, offering students an opportunity to explore literary techniques and enhance their vocabulary.
• Moral Dilemmas: The story raises ethical questions about the consequences of wishes, prompting students to reflect on the moral implications of their own choices.
• Discussion Opportunities: The narrative provides ample material for class discussions on themes, character motivations, and the consequences of actions.

By incorporating “The Monkey’s Paw” into the classroom, educators can stimulate students’ imagination, foster critical thinking, and create an enriching literary experience.

BONUS: The Monkey’s Paw – ESL Writing Activity

If you were to reimagine the conclusion of “The Monkey’s Paw” through the eyes of the character Herbert, delve into the details of his experiences after the final wish. Describe the process of his revival following the tragic accident, exploring his emotions, perceptions, and interactions with the other characters. Provide a nuanced account of how Herbert’s perspective shapes the events that unfold, from the moment of his return to the impact on the family dynamics.

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The Monkey’s Paw

W. w. jacobs, everything you need for every book you read..

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