In the "Monkey's paw" is there a symbol featured in the story,such as in the title or in the plot? What does the symbol represent?

Answer 1

In W.W. Jacobs' short story "The Monkey's Paw," the monkey's paw itself is a central symbol. It represents the themes of fate, desire, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order of things.

The monkey's paw is imbued with magical properties that grant three wishes to its owner, but each wish comes with unintended and often tragic consequences. This symbolizes the idea that human desires can lead to unforeseen outcomes, and that attempting to control fate can result in disaster. The paw also reflects the idea of greed and how it can lead to suffering. The White family’s wishes are rooted in their desires for comfort, wealth, and the well-being of their loved ones, but each wish ultimately results in sorrow and regret.

Overall, the monkey's paw serves as a cautionary symbol about the dangers of wishing for things without understanding the potential repercussions, highlighting the moral that it's better to accept one's circumstances rather than seek to alter them through supernatural means.