Monkeys Paw

Monkey’s Paw Essay People disregard the warnings of others all the time; whether it is from a teacher, a parent, or perhaps an older sibling (Attention grabber). As displayed in W.W Jacobs’s short story, “The Monkeys Paw”, about a family’s fate-changing experience with a magical paw (Transition). The cynical paw, in fact, belonged to a monkey; it contained three wishes for three different people (Background). There are countless warnings given to the White family through out the story, yet foolish decisions continue to be made (Background). Using a frightening mood, Jacobs argues that those who interfere with their destiny will suffer (T.S). The story’s fearsome mood begins with “ heavy footsteps” and a banging “too loudly”(1) (C.D). Using suspenseful diction, the author suggests horrible events to come (commentary). Soon after the first wish “a silence unusual and depressing” settled upon the white family (5)(C.D). The reader encounters a disturbing sensation, creating an intense feeling of regret, felt mostly by Mr. White (commentary). At this point in the story Mr. White begins to understand the severity of his actions, tempting fate (commentary). Near the close of the story both Mr. and Mrs. White “lay silently listening to the ticking of the clock” while “a stair
Lerma 2 creaked” (11)(C.D). Suspense is an obvious and intentional emotion the writer is trying to convey (Commentary). It seems as though Jacobs is trying to show the hopelessness they’re feeling, waiting for what fate has planned for them(Commentary). Mr. white finally understands that fate cannot be changed; and trying to change destiny will only end in disaster (commentary). Jacobs’s clever use of spooky diction/mood supports the notion that interfering with fate will end in dire consequences; foreshadowed within various parts of the story (concluding sentence). Jacobs shows that those who interfere with their calling will feel remorse in their actions by foreshadowing numerous events throughout the story (T.S.). In the beginning of the story Mr. White makes a “fatal mistake after it was too late”(1) (C.D.). The choice of wording, before knowing the ending of the story, seems exaggerated and dramatic (commentary). However after becoming conscious of the outcome, the reader interprets that fatal brings a deeper meaning to the story; seeing as the son dies in the end (Commentary). This also ties into Jacob’s argument about dealing with the choices made by humanity.(Commentary). Later in the story, when the sergeant is introduced, his “tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group”(3) (C.D.). Again, there is an underlined meaning in the writer’s choice of diction when he uses “grave” to describe unnecessary silence (commentary). At this point the reader can conclude that death is an inevitable result of the families attempt of changing fate (Commentary). When the sergeant leaves, Herbert, “with a solemn face somewhat marred by a wink” (5) (C.D.). The word “marred” itself means disfigured (commentary). When the way Herbert died is taken into account it becomes clear that this foreshadowed how Herbert looked after the accident

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(Commentary). The theory that fate rules people’s lives’ is supported by the countless examples of foreshadowing, meanwhile irony supports another argument (C.S.). Using irony, Jacobs argues that in order to avoid awful consequences people must take into account the warnings around them (T.S.). In the beginning, Herbert predicts that they’re “going to be rich and famous and happy”(4) (C.D.). This is an example of verbal irony because that is the complete opposite of what ended up happening (commentary). The sergeant warned the white family about the monkeys paw, yet they still believe the paw will benefit them (commentary). After the first wish is made Mr. White claims that “there’s no harm done” (5) (commentary). This situational irony supports the carelessness felt by the White family in disregarding the Sergeants warnings; much like reality, people don’t understand the graveness of their actions until it is too late (commentary). At the climax of the story, when Herbert dies, the man who delivered the news presents his parents with a “certain sum of compensation” then hands them 200lbs (8) (C.D.). The situational irony creates an obvious feeling of regret upon Mr. White in not listening to his friend (commentary). Jacobs provides more than enough irony to develop his reason for considering the warnings of others (C.S.). Using irony Jacobs argued that humanity must take into account the forewarnings of others or pay the cost; he showed that those who tamper with fate would regret their actions using foreshadowing and a fearful mood (T.S). Whether or not people take into account the warnings around them, they are there. Though, at times, curiosity gets the best of society, it is crucial that they are not blinded or distracted by extravagant things.