Lesson 1.2 The Monkey's Pa

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Lesson 1.2: The Monkey's Paw

Short Story

Every careful reader should be aware of the plot diagram as they read. Foreshadowing is a common technique used by authors to hint to readers what could happen next. Practice these important concepts as you read "The Monkey's Paw".

Purpose

• Foreshadowing
• Setting
• Plot Diagram

Key Words

Goals

• recognize types of conflict in a short story.
• understand the difference between a protagonist and antagonist.

By the end of the lesson students will...

W.W. Jacobs

W.W. (William Wymark) Jacobs (1863–1943) was an English author best known for his mastery of the short story genre, particularly for his classic horror story "The Monkey's Paw." Born in London, Jacobs spent much of his life in the bustling city, drawing inspiration from its diverse characters and urban landscapes. "The Monkey's Paw," published in 1902, remains Jacobs' most famous work. The story follows the White family, who come into possession of a magical monkey's paw that grants them three wishes. However, each wish comes with unforeseen and tragic consequences, leading to a chilling exploration of the consequences of tampering with fate. Jacobs' writing style is characterized by its economy of language and keen attention to detail. His stories often feature ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, with elements of suspense, irony, and dark humor woven throughout. In addition to "The Monkey's Paw," Jacobs wrote numerous other short stories and several novels, though none achieved quite the same level of popularity. Throughout his career, Jacobs remained dedicated to his craft, earning praise for his ability to evoke atmosphere and create memorable characters within the confines of the short story form. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its timeless themes and enduring appeal, cementing his legacy as one of the masters of the genre.

Historical Context

"The Monkey's Paw" is a product of its time, reflecting the anxieties, fascinations, and moral questions of the early 20th century. Its themes of fate, the supernatural, and the unintended consequences of human desires are timeless, but they gain additional depth when viewed against the backdrop of the Edwardian era’s societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges. Understanding this context helps readers appreciate the story’s enduring appeal and its commentary on the human condition.

Colonialism and the British Empire

Edwardian Era

Victorian Gothic

Think About It

As you read "The Monkey's Paw," match up each part of the plot diagram with a part of the story.

Preview Questions

Characters

• Mr. and Mrs. White:
• Mr. and Mrs. White are a middle-aged couple who reside in a cozy home in England. They are the parents of Herbert White and are depicted as a loving, close-knit family. Mr. White is characterized as rational and practical, while Mrs. White is more superstitious and emotional. They are both deeply affected by the tragic events that unfold after they come into possession of the monkey's paw.
• Herbert White:
• Herbert is the son of Mr. and Mrs. White, described as a cheerful and confident young man. He works at a local firm and is the primary breadwinner of the family. Herbert is skeptical of the monkey's paw's supposed magical powers and dismisses his parents' fears about it. However, his skepticism is challenged when the consequences of using the paw become devastatingly real.
• Sergeant-Major Morris:
• Sergeant-Major Morris is a guest who visits the White family at the beginning of the story. He is an old army comrade of Mr. White and brings with him the mysterious monkey's paw. Morris recounts the paw's dark history and warns the Whites about its dangerous nature.

Vocabulary

Reading Focus

Aghast: Filled with horror or surprise when you see or hear somethingDubious: In an uncertain way, often because you suspect that something may be wrong; without knowing whether something is good or bad Furtive: Behaving in a way that shows you want to keep something secret and do not want to be noticed Placid: Calm and peaceful, with very little movement Sinister: Seemingly dangerous or evil; making you think something bad will happen Wistful: Thinking sadly about something that you would like to have, especially something in the past that you can no longer have

As you read, watch for words or phrases that instill a sense of unease. The author's choice of words are intentional and may foreshadow something that could happen later.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

10

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

ReviewQuestions

Audio Book

Read the story, link to PDF in Module 1.

1. In the context of the story, can we control our fate? Do our choices have an impact on the course of our lives, or are our lives predetermined no matter what we do? Cite evidence from this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

1. How does the author use foreshadowing to contribute to the story's overall meaning? Explain at least two examples of foreshadowing and how they develop the theme of the story.

A plot diagram, also known as a story arc or narrative arc, is a visual representation of the structure of a story, typically divided into key components that outline the progression of the plot. The plot diagram usually consists of five main elements: 1. Exposition: The beginning of the story where the characters, setting, and initial conflict are introduced. 2. Rising Action: The series of events that build tension and develop the conflict, leading to the story's climax. 3. Climax: The turning point of the story, often the most intense or suspenseful moment where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome becomes inevitable. 4. Falling Action: The events that occur after the climax, where the tension begins to decrease as the story moves towards resolution. 5. Resolution (or Denouement): The conclusion of the story where the conflict is resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the story reaches its final outcome or conclusion.

A literary device where an author hints at or suggests future events or outcomes in a story. It is often used to create suspense, build anticipation, and add depth to the narrative by subtly indicating what may happen later in the plot. Foreshadowing can take various forms, including subtle hints, symbolic references, or even explicit statements that allude to future developments.

In literature, setting refers to the time, place, and social environment in which a story takes place. It encompasses physical locations, historical period, cultural context, and the overall atmosphere or mood that surrounds the characters and events of the narrative. The setting serves as a backdrop against which the plot unfolds, influencing the actions and experiences of the characters and often playing a significant role in shaping the themes and tone of the story.

Edwardian Era (1901-1910)

• Time Period: "The Monkey's Paw" was published in 1902, during the Edwardian era, which followed the Victorian period and preceded World War I.
• Cultural Shifts: This era was marked by significant changes in society, with growing industrialization and urbanization. There was a move towards modernity, but traditional values and social hierarchies were still prevalent.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in technology and industry were rapidly transforming daily life. The advent of electricity, automobiles, and improved communication systems like the telephone created a sense of wonder and progress, but also unease about the pace of change.

Colonialism and the British Empire

• Global Influence: The British Empire was at its zenith, exerting control over vast territories across Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world. This global presence influenced British culture, bringing in tales and artifacts from distant lands.
• Exoticism and Superstition: The story features a talisman—a monkey’s paw—brought back from India, reflecting the era’s fascination with the exotic and the mystical. British audiences were intrigued by the strange and supernatural stories from the colonies.

Victorian Gothic Influence

• Literary Trends: Jacobs’ work was influenced by the Gothic literature of the preceding Victorian era, which was characterized by dark, mysterious settings, and themes of horror and the supernatural. Supernatural Fiction: This genre capitalized on the era’s anxieties about the unknown, the afterlife, and the limits of human knowledge. "The Monkey's Paw" taps into these fears, using the supernatural to explore themes of fate and the consequences of tampering with it.