Question
"It's Herbert!" she screamed. "It's Herbert!"
She ran to the door, but her husband was before her, and catching her by the arm, held her tightly.
"What are you going to do?" he whispered hoarsely.
"It's my boy; it's Herbert!" she cried, struggling mechanically. "I forgot it was two miles away. What are you holding me for? Let go. I must open the door."
"For God's sake don't let it in," cried the old man, trembling.
"You're afraid of your own son," she cried, struggling. "Let me go. I'm coming, Herbert; I'm coming."
—"The Monkey's Paw,"
W. W. Jacobs
What is Mrs. White's reaction to Herbert coming home?
What is Mr. White's reaction?
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Mrs. White's reaction to Herbert coming home is one of overwhelming excitement and urgency. She is frantic and desperate to open the door to let her son in, indicating her deep longing and emotional connection to him. She seems to forget the dangers associated with the situation and is solely focused on her desire to reunite with her son, asserting that she must open the door.
Mr. White's reaction is one of fear and trepidation. He is trembling and tries to physically restrain Mrs. White from opening the door, suggesting that he understands the grave implications of the situation. His plea, "For God's sake don't let it in," conveys his anxiety and the dread of what might happen if they allow Herbert to enter, indicating that he is more aware of the potential consequences of their actions than Mrs. White is.
Mr. White's reaction is one of fear and trepidation. He is trembling and tries to physically restrain Mrs. White from opening the door, suggesting that he understands the grave implications of the situation. His plea, "For God's sake don't let it in," conveys his anxiety and the dread of what might happen if they allow Herbert to enter, indicating that he is more aware of the potential consequences of their actions than Mrs. White is.