Which quote from "The Monkey's Paw" best illustrates the story's theme?

Question

Which quote from "The Monkey's Paw" best illustrates the story's theme?

“If the tale about the monkey’s paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us,” said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, “we shan’t make much out of it."

“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.”

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

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

Answer 1

The quote that best illustrates the story's theme is:

“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.”

This quote encapsulates the central theme of the story, which revolves around the dangers of tampering with fate and the unforeseen consequences of desires. It emphasizes that while the monkey's paw grants wishes, those wishes can lead to tragic outcomes, highlighting the overall moral that be careful what you wish for, as it may result in harm.