Question

In The Monkey's Paw, when Mrs. White comments that Mr. White should wish that she have four pairs of hands, why does the sergeant major have a look of alarm on his face?

a. Mrs. White's wishes have unexpected consequences.
b. Mrs. White is unaware of the consequences of her wishes.
c. The sergeant major has experienced the consequences of such wishes.
d. Mr. White has already made a dangerous wish.

Answer 1

The sergeant major's look of alarm reflects his understanding of the monkey's paw's dangerous power and the negative consequences wishes can have, something Mrs. White is unaware of.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the story The Monkey's Paw, Mrs. White's comment about wishing for four pairs of hands is an innocent yet naive remark that reflects her unawareness of the paw's sinister nature. The sergeant major's look of alarm is likely due to his experiences with the paw and the dark consequences of the wishes it grants. His reaction suggests that such wishes can have unexpected and horrifying outcomes, which Mrs. White does not comprehend at that moment.