Question

In the “Monkeys Paw” the author uses both actions and words of the sergeant major to build suspense. Describe how both the words he says and the actions he takes build suspense

Answer 1

Jacobs creates suspense through the use of setting, foreshadowing, and purposeful omission. The story takes place at the White residence, which is relatively isolated and located away from the nearest road. This isolated location adds to the haunting atmosphere of the story and is significant to the plot. Jacobs also foreshadows the ramifications of wishing upon the magic monkey's paw through Sergeant-Major Moris's enigmatic story.

Answer 2

Jacobs's The Monkey's Paw is narrated with words and actions of the Sergeant Morris that create suspense at all times.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the moment he enters the White family's house, Sergeant Major Morris generates suspense scenes.

For example, when he tells Mr. White "Better where you are", saying that he would not like to be in India, and shaking his head as if he were having a bad memory. After saying that phrase, leaves the glass on the table and shakes his head again. This begins to build mystery around this character.

During the same talk, Mr. White asks the sergeant to tell him about the monkey's paw. Morris's response was "Nothing." "Leastways, nothing worth hearing." Giving such vague answers, he creates suspense and curiosity to know what that paw is hiding.

When he starts talking about the monkey's paw, he says that the fakir who gave it to him said: "I wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." This phrase foreshadows that something bad will happen if they use it.

Another example is when they asked if he had already used it, and his answers are cold and concise. His actions are too. When he responds, he bangs his glass heavily against his teeth.

Finally, Morris wants to burn the paw. And he warns Mr. White that if he uses it, it will be at his own risk.