Question

1. Near the beginning of the story, Morris says the monkey's paw was created by a

fakir who "wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who

interfered with it did so to their sorrow." Does the conclusion of the story support or

disprove this idea? Explain your answer using examples from the text.

Answer 1

In “The Monkey’s Paw,” Sergeant-Major Morris tells the White family that the monkey’s paw was created by a fakir who wanted to demonstrate that fate governs people’s lives and that those who interfere with it do so at their own peril. The story’s conclusion does not provide a clear answer to whether this idea is supported or disproved. While it is true that Mr. White’s wishes have unintended consequences, it is also true that he has some control over his fate. He chooses to make wishes on the monkey’s paw, and he chooses what to wish for. Furthermore, the story suggests that Mr. White could have avoided his tragic fate if he had not made his third wish .

In conclusion, while “The Monkey’s Paw” does not provide a clear answer to whether Morris’s idea is supported or disproved, it does suggest that people have some control over their fate but must be careful when trying to change it.

Answer 2

In W. W. Jacobs' "The Monkey's Paw," the conclusion of the story actually supports Morris' words. At the beginning of the story, he wishes to get rid of the monkey's paw and says that remembering his wishes is too distressful. Besides, he was given the paw by his first owner, whose last wish was to die. As a result, these events anticipate the bad ending of the story, since every wish has terrible consequences. As a result, the fact that Herbert dies in an appalling accident and that his mother wishes to see his monstrous body after his death reinforces the idea that meddling with fate has unfortunate outcomes.