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Based on Booker's Seven Plot Types, what type of plot line is evident in "The Monkey's Paw" by WW Jacobs. Please support your identification with examples from the story that reinforce the definition of that plot type.

User Lilyan
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Final answer:

W.W. Jacobs' 'The Monkey's Paw' follows Booker's 'Tragedy' plot type where the characters' wishes lead to grave consequences, ending in loss and sorrow that reflect the story's tragic arc.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Booker's Seven Plot Types, the type of plot line evident in 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs is tragedy. This novella follows the arc where the central character gains an opportunity which leads to an impulsive, usually selfish choice, eventually resulting in a dark and unhappy ending. The story centers on the White family, who is granted three wishes by a mystical monkey's paw. Despite warning of the paw’s previous owner, Mr. White wishes for money, which they receive at the cost of their son’s life. Mrs. White then uses the second wish to bring her son back to life, not considering the consequences, and when there's a knock at the door, she believes it's her son returned from the grave. Mr. White, in fear of what might be at the door, uses the final wish to undo the horror they've unleashed. This sequence of events showcases the classic tragic trajectory of desire and consequence, which aligns with Booker's category of 'Tragedy' as the characters face sorrow and loss due to their choices.

User McGlone
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