Question

Read the excerpt from “The Monkey's Paw.”

"Might drop on his head from the sky," said the frivolous Herbert.
"Morris said the things happened so naturally," said his father, "that you might if you so wished attribute it to coincidence."
"Well, don't break into the money before I come back," said Herbert as he rose from the table. "I'm afraid it'll turn you into a mean, avaricious man, and we shall have to disown you."
His mother laughed, and following him to the door, watched him down the road; and returning to the breakfast table, was very happy at the expense of her husband's credulity. All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman's knock, nor prevent her from referring somewhat shortly to retired sergeant-majors . . . when she found that the post brought a tailor's bill.

How does Mrs. White’s reaction to wishing on the monkey’s paw compare to Mr. White’s?

Mrs. White does not believe in the magic, but Mr. White does.
Mrs. White believes in the magic, but Mr. White does not.
They both believe in the magic.
Neither believes in the magic.

Answer 1

They both believe in the magic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs revolves around the magical ability of a monkey's paw in fulfilling three wishes to its owner. The story relays the message the greed is never good for anyone, let alone bring people happiness.

Mr. White acquired the talisman from his friend Sergeant Major Morris who had got it during his time in India. And he believed that the talisman brings harm more than luck, and threw into the fire. But Mr. White took it out and decided to keep it for himself. This shows that he somehow believed in the magical ability of the monkey's paw. And like her husband, Mrs. White as well as their son Herbert also believed in the paw's magic. Their conversation about the "two hundred pounds" and their belief that it'll be granted shows their belief in the monkey's paw and its magical abilities.

Thus, the correct answer is the third option.