The Monkey's Paw - Due Friday

“The Monkey’s Paw”

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the initial mood of the story? How is the weather juxtaposed with the inside atmosphere in the parlor?

2. Who are the initial characters in the room?

3. Who is the old man who comes to the door? What do we learn about his background and his character?

4. What is a “fakir”? (Look this up.) Why did the fakir place a spell on the paw?

5. What was the first man’s third wish? How might this be an example of foreshadowing?

6. What does the paw immediately do after the first wish? What can you infer from this?

7. What does Mr. White see in the fire the night of his first wish? How is this an example of foreshadowing?

8. What are the family's feelings about the wish in the morning?

9. How do the Whites come to receive the 200 pounds?

10. Why does Mrs. White want the monkey's paw? What is the second wish?

11. What do you think Mr. White’s third wish is?

12. What is ironic about Mr. White’s first wish?

13. Before making his first wish, Mr. White says, “It seems to me I’ve got all I want.” In your opinion, what point is the author making?

14. What about the author’s writing made this story so suspenseful? How did the author succeed in keeping you enthralled and invested?  

15. What is your opinion of the ending? Do you think it ended too abruptly or mysteriously? How would you change it if you could?

16. Look up “Arabian Nights.” (Mentioned in the second page, Line 93.) What story from this compilation of stories do you think Mrs. White is alluding to? How is this an allusion?