What theme from traditional stories is central to “The Monkey’s Paw”? (Part A)

Question

The danger of the unknown as well as the known
The danger of temptation and greed
The challenge of knowing good from evil
The challenge facing the truth as well as mystery

(Part B)

He began to talk, the little family circle regarding with rather interest this visitor from distant parts, as he squared his broad shoulders Ik the chair and spoke of wild scene and doughty deeds; of wars and plagues and strange peoples.

“Well, it’s just a bit of what might call magic, perhaps,” said the sergeant-major off-handedly

“The first man had his three wishes. Yes.” Was the reply; “I don’t know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That’s how I got the paw.”

“If the tale about the monkeys paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us,” said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time for him to catch the last train, “we shan’t make much out of it.”

Answer 1

Part A

The central theme from traditional stories that is prominent in "The Monkey’s Paw" is The danger of temptation and greed. The story illustrates how the characters' desires for more—represented through their wishes—lead to dire consequences, showcasing the perils that arise when one seeks to manipulate fate or desires beyond their means.

Part B

The passage illustrates the theme by introducing the character of the sergeant-major, who speaks of the monkey's paw as a magical yet dangerous object that grants wishes. The fact that the first man's third wish was for death highlights the negative repercussions of tampering with fate. Additionally, Herbert's skeptical remark about the truthfulness of the sergeant-major's tale further emphasizes the potential for danger in the unknown and the consequences of dismissing such warnings, aligning well with the overall themes of temptation and greed prevalent in the story.