Explain what the sergeant major means when he states,“It had a spell put on it by an old fakir”. “He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives….each have three wishes from it”

Answer 1

In this excerpt, the sergeant major is discussing the monkey's paw, an object that is central to the story "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs. The phrase "It had a spell put on it by an old fakir" refers to the idea that the monkey's paw is enchanted or cursed. The old fakir, a figure of wisdom and perhaps mysticism, has placed a spell on the paw to demonstrate a moral lesson about the nature of fate and the consequences of tampering with it.

When the sergeant major mentions that "fate ruled people's lives," he is highlighting the theme that trying to control or change one's destiny can lead to unintended and often disastrous consequences. The fact that each person can make three wishes from the paw suggests that while they have the power to make wishes, they are ultimately at the mercy of fate, which can interpret those wishes in unforeseen ways.

This serves as a cautionary tale: while humans may desire to change their circumstances, the outcome of their wishes may not align with their intentions. The wishes can lead to misery and tragedy instead of the expected fulfillment or happiness, reinforcing the idea that some aspects of life are beyond our control. The sergeant major's warning is meant to prompt the characters—and readers—to consider the implications of their desires and the nature of fate itself.

Answer 2

Sergeant Major Morris’ face whitens when he reveals that he has had three wishes. What can you infer about the paw?

Answer 3

When Sergeant Major Morris’s face whitens upon revealing that he has had three wishes from the monkey's paw, it suggests that his experience with the paw was not a positive one. His reaction indicates a sense of dread or foreboding about the consequences of using the paw. This moment serves as a strong inference that the paw carries a dark and malevolent power.

His pallor can imply several things:

1. Traumatic Experience: Morris may have suffered significant emotional or psychological consequences from his wishes, leading to regret or horror over what the paw is capable of. This could mean that the wishes he made brought about more suffering than satisfaction.

2. Warning Sign: His reaction can be interpreted as a warning to others about the dangers of the paw. It hints that the wishes granted by the paw may come with high costs or troubled outcomes, serving to caution the White family against using it.

3. Supernatural Element: The whitening of his face can also suggest a supernatural element surrounding the paw. It has impacted him deeply, possibly indicating that the consequences of the wishes are beyond the ordinary, invoking both fear and a recognition of the paw's cursed nature.

Overall, this moment reinforces the central themes of the story regarding the unpredictable and often tragic consequences of trying to manipulate fate. It sets the tone for the unfolding events, suggesting that the paw is not merely a tool for wishes but a bearer of misfortune and sorrow.

Answer 4

Why does the sergeant major say, “Better let it burn.”

Answer 5

When Sergeant Major Morris says, “Better let it burn,” he is expressing his firm belief that the monkey's paw should be destroyed. This statement reflects his knowledge of the paw's dark and dangerous nature, as well as his desire to protect others from its negative influence.

Here are a few key points about why he suggests letting it burn:

1. Regret and Warning: Morris has firsthand experience with the consequences of using the paw, and he likely carries a heavy burden of regret from his own wishes. By saying “Better let it burn,” he is trying to warn the White family against the allure of the paw and the potential disasters that could follow from using it.

2. Destruction of Evil: Burning the paw symbolizes the destruction of a source of evil or misfortune. Morris understands that the paw is not just an artifact but an object with malevolent powers. His suggestion to burn it signifies a wish to rid the world of its harmful influence.

3. Futility of Wishes: Morris recognizes that the wishes granted by the paw may lead to tragic outcomes rather than the satisfaction or happiness sought by the wish-maker. By advocating for its destruction, he implicitly acknowledges that the allure of wishing and changing fate can lead to suffering.

Overall, Morris’s recommendation reflects his understanding of the deeper moral lessons regarding fate, desire, and the chaos that can arise from trying to alter one's destiny. His strong reaction suggests a deep-seated fear of the consequences that can result from meddling with forces that humans may not fully comprehend or control.

Answer 6

Identify an example of foreshadowing in the story and explain what this instance foreshadows.

Answer 7

One notable example of foreshadowing in "The Monkey's Paw" occurs early in the story when Sergeant Major Morris, after discussing the paw and its capabilities, throws it onto the fire. This action illustrates his clear distress and suggests that he understands the dire implications of the paw. When Mr. White tries to retrieve it from the fire, Morris indicates with a serious tone that it is better off burned.

This instance foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold later due to the use of the paw. The reaction of Morris—his hesitation, his fear, and his attempt to destroy the paw—indicates that the wishes granted will not lead to fulfillment or joy, but rather to unforeseen consequences and suffering. Furthermore, it sets a tone of dread that permeates the story, hinting that the White family’s attempts to use the paw will have disastrous outcomes.

The foreshadowing leads the reader to anticipate that the wishes will not produce the desired results, and it builds tension as the plot progresses, ultimately culminating in the tragic repercussions faced by the characters. Hence, this early action and the accompanying dialogue act as a caution against the temptation to use the paw, suggesting that fate’s interference is both inevitable and perilous.

Answer 8

Why does Mr. White say, “Don’t let it in”? What is Mrs. White’s response?

Answer 9

In "The Monkey's Paw," the moment when Mr. White says, “Don’t let it in” occurs after the couple has made their first wish for a sum of money. When they hear a knock at the door shortly afterward, Mr. White’s immediate reaction is one of fear and trepidation. He realizes that something could be unsettling about who—or what—is at the door, particularly given the context of their recent wish.

Significance of Mr. White's Statement:

1. Foreboding: Mr. White’s declaration “Don’t let it in” reflects his growing anxiety and dread about the repercussions of using the monkey's paw. It signifies his subconscious recognition that the consequences of their wish might be negative or even terrifying.

2. Fear of the Unknown: At this moment, Mr. White is expressing fear about what might come to their door as a result of their wish. Given that they had just wished for money, he is likely concerned that knocking at their door is connected to the manifestation of their wish, but not in the way they hoped.

Mrs. White's Response:

Mrs. White, on the other hand, is initially more optimistic and curious. She is eager to see who is at the door and believes that it might be someone bringing good news or fortune. Her response underscores her emotional investment in the idea of the paw and the potential benefits of their wishes, contrasting with Mr. White’s apprehensive perspective.

This dynamic highlights the differing attitudes of the characters toward fate and the supernatural powers of the paw. While Mr. White is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers involved, Mrs. White's enthusiasm showcases a more naive or hopeful approach to the situation.

Overall, this exchange between Mr. and Mrs. White emphasizes the tension between hope and fear, illustrating how the couple navigates the frightening implications of their desires and foreshadowing the painful repercussions that will soon follow.

Answer 10

Does the story end the way you expected? Explain your answer.

Answer 11

The ending of "The Monkey's Paw" can be surprising and unsettling, depending on the reader’s expectations. The story concludes with a climactic and tragic twist that reinforces its themes of fate, desire, and the consequences of meddling with the unknown.

Personal Expectations vs. Actual Ending:

1. The Reader’s Anticipation: Many readers might expect a resolution where the wishes granted by the monkey's paw lead to some fulfillment or satisfaction for the White family. Given the build-up of tension and the initial wishes, one might hope for a positive outcome or at least some lesson learned that doesn’t come at an extreme cost.

2. The Shock of the Final Wish: However, the actual ending is grim. After the tragic death of their son Herbert, the Whites are confronted with the painful reality of their wishes. Mrs. White’s desperate plea for a second wish to bring Herbert back, followed by Mr. White’s last wish to reverse that decision before anything can come to the door, leads to an ambiguous and chilling conclusion. What happens next—implied in the lack of further description—is left unspoken, emphasizing the horror of the situation and the theme that some powers should not be tampered with.

3. The Final Implication: The ending leaves readers with a sense of inevitability and caution. Mr. White’s final wish can be interpreted as a recognition of the futility of trying to control fate, suggesting that the consequences of their desires far exceed their understanding. The abruptness of the conclusion may not align with a conventional narrative closure, instead evoking a sense of lingering dread.

Conclusion:

Overall, the ending of "The Monkey's Paw" is likely to evoke strong emotional responses, and while some readers may predict disaster due to the foreshadowing present throughout the story, the specific culmination—with Herbert’s death, Mrs. White’s grief, and the final wish—can still be deeply impactful and horrifying. The story ultimately underscores the moral that one should respect the natural order of life and the dangers of unchecked desire, making its conclusion both fitting and thought-provoking.