The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs is a classic short story that unfolds in the modest living room of the White family. The narrative revolves around the discovery of a mystical monkey’s paw, capable of granting three wishes. Intrigued by the prospect of fulfilling their desires, the Whites soon realize the dark and unforeseen consequences that accompany their wishes, leading to a tale of suspense, tragedy, and the haunting impact of tampering with the supernatural.
In the story, Sergeant-Major Morris introduces the White family to a magical monkey’s paw, sparking their curiosity about its wish-granting abilities. Skeptical yet tempted, the Whites make wishes that set off a chain of events with chilling outcomes. The consequences of tampering with fate become evident, leaving the family to grapple with the harsh reality of their choices. “The Monkey’s Paw” weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and the profound impact of meddling with supernatural forces, creating a compelling narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind.
Today’s questions are based on the following pdf (available here) also If you are looking for the downloadable PDF worksheet please see the “Free Worksheet Button” at the bottom of the page.
The Monkey’s Paw Part 1 Comprehension Questions
- Where did the story begin, and how was the weather outside?
- What were the dad and son doing in the room?
- Why did Mr. White ask his son to listen to the wind?
- What bothered Mr. White about where they lived?
- Who is the new person, and why is the old man sorry for him?
- What did Sergeant-Major Morris talk about?
- How did Herbert suggest testing the monkey’s paw, and what happened when Mr. White wished?
- How did Herbert react to his dad’s wish, and what strange thing happened with the wish?
The Monkey’s Paw Part 1 Comprehension Answers
- Answer: The story started in a small room, and it was cold outside.
- Answer: The dad and son were playing chess.
- Answer: Mr. White asked his son to listen to the wind to distract him.
- Answer: Mr. White was frustrated about living in a faraway place with mud and a river-like road.
- Answer: The new person is Sergeant-Major Morris, and he is sorry for losing someone.
- Answer: Sergeant-Major Morris shared a story about a magical monkey’s paw with three wishes.
- Answer: Herbert suggested testing the paw, and when Mr. White wished, the paw moved in his hand.
- Answer: Herbert didn’t believe his dad’s wish, and the paw twisted, surprising everyone.
The Monkey’s Paw Part 2 Comprehension Questions
- What did the family use to make a wish?
- How did the room feel the morning after making the wish?
- Where did they put the magical paw?
- Why did Mrs. White not believe in wishes coming true?
- What did Herbert playfully warn his father about the money?
- Who was the stranger, and why did he come to the house?
- How did Mrs. White react when she heard the news about Herbert?
- What happened to Herbert, and how did Mrs. White feel at first?
- What did the visitor offer the family as compensation?
The Monkey’s Paw Part 2 Comprehension Answers
- Answer: They used the monkey’s paw.
- Answer: The room felt normal, with health and happiness.
- Answer: They put the paw on a cabinet.
- Answer: Mrs. White thought wishes couldn’t come true in modern times.
- Answer: Herbert warned not to break into the money before he returned from work.
- Answer: The stranger was from “Maw and Meggins,” sharing news about Herbert and offering compensation.
- Answer: Mrs. White reacted with alarm when she heard the news about Herbert.
- Answer: Herbert was badly hurt in an accident. Mrs. White felt relieved at first that he wasn’t in pain.
- Answer: The visitor offered two hundred pounds as compensation for Herbert’s accident.
The Monkey’s Paw Part 3 Comprehension Questions
- What happened in the huge new cemetery?
- How did the old couple feel after their son’s death?
- What did the old man hear in the night that made him wake up?
- Where did the old woman want to go after waking up the old man?
- What did the old woman want to wish for using the monkey’s paw?
- Why was the old man hesitant to make another wish?
- What did the old woman do when the old man refused to make the wish?
- What happened after the old man made the wish for his son to be alive again?
- How did the story end for the old couple?
The Monkey’s Paw Part 3 Comprehension Answers
- Answer: The old people buried their dead in the huge new cemetery.
- Answer: They felt a load too heavy for old hearts to bear. (Very Sad)
- Answer: The old man heard his wife crying quietly at the window.
- Answer: The old woman wanted to go to the living room to get the monkey’s paw.
- Answer: The old woman wanted to wish their son alive again.
- Answer: The old man thought it was foolish and wicked to make another wish.
- Answer: The old woman went to the living room, found the monkey’s paw, and insisted on making the wish.
- Answer: The knocking stopped suddenly, and the old woman opened the door to find the street quiet and deserted.
- Answer: The story ended with the old couple realizing the consequences of their wishes, and the street outside was quiet and deserted.
Why do we Recommend “The Monkey’s Paw” for your Classroom?
- Engaging Narrative: The story’s suspenseful and mysterious plot captivates students’ attention, making it an engaging read.
- Exploration of Themes: The narrative explores timeless themes such as the consequences of tampering with fate, the desire for more, and the price of unchecked ambition.
- Character Development: Students can analyze the characters’ choices and the impact of their decisions, promoting critical thinking and discussion.
- Supernatural Elements: The inclusion of a magical monkey’s paw adds a supernatural element, making it a great introduction to the fantasy genre.
- Language and Style: W.W. Jacobs’ writing style is accessible yet rich in language, offering students an opportunity to explore literary techniques and enhance their vocabulary.
- Moral Dilemmas: The story raises ethical questions about the consequences of wishes, prompting students to reflect on the moral implications of their own choices.
- Discussion Opportunities: The narrative provides ample material for class discussions on themes, character motivations, and the consequences of actions.
By incorporating “The Monkey’s Paw” into the classroom, educators can stimulate students’ imagination, foster critical thinking, and create an enriching literary experience.
BONUS: The Monkey’s Paw – ESL Writing Activity
If you were to reimagine the conclusion of “The Monkey’s Paw” through the eyes of the character Herbert, delve into the details of his experiences after the final wish. Describe the process of his revival following the tragic accident, exploring his emotions, perceptions, and interactions with the other characters. Provide a nuanced account of how Herbert’s perspective shapes the events that unfold, from the moment of his return to the impact on the family dynamics.
