Whether rubbing a magic lantern, catching a wish-granting fish, or wishing on a Monkey’s Paw, the idea of making wishes that can come true intrigues even the happiest of people. In “The Monkey’s Paw”, by W. W. Jacobs, a couple learn that having their wishes granted may not have the outcome they expect.
William Wymark Jacobs
W. W. Jacobs was born September 8, 1863, in London, England and is best known for the English short-story “The Monkey’s Paw.” Although “The Monkey’s Paw” is considered a horror story, Jacobs is more humorous and his works are based on his father’s experience working as a dockhand and managing a wharf. Jacobs died in 1943.
Fate
Can we really escape our fate, or is our destiny sealed regardless of our attempts to avoid it? “The Monkey’s Paw” begins in the White family’s cozy home where Mr. White and his son Herbert play chess while Mrs. White knits by the fire. It is a tranquil scene that is interrupted by Mr. White trying to distract his son from putting him in checkmate. Mr. White tries to avoid his fate by discussing the weather and his friend’s imminent visit. This scene foreshadows how Mr. White will try to escape his fate in the future.
Mr. White’s friend, Sergeant-Major Morris, tells him about this talisman he discovered in India called “The Monkey’s Paw.” A fakir put a spell on it that would grant 3 different men 3 wishes. He wanted to show them that by attempting to avoid their fate would do so to their sorrow. Already, this sounds like a classic “be careful what you wish for” story, but it is much more than that. This story is about the consequences of trying to cheat destiny. The men who used the monkey’s paw did not want to change their fate, they wanted it changed for them. The point of the talisman is to show these men that there is no magical cure to their problems, and if they want to change their fate, they should do it themselves.
Sergeant-Major Morris warns Mr. White that the first man wished for death as his third wish. Morris wanted to burn the paw so no one else could use it. Despite these warnings, Mr. White wants to change his life so badly that he is willing to risk the consequences. Mr. White has a good life, but he wanted more, despite knowing the consequences.
Why read “The Monkey’s Paw”
This short story has it all: the irony, the dynamic characters, and a twist on the classic “you have three wishes” plot. It has everything you want in a good read. While I’m sure you have heard the phrase “be careful what you wish for,” I think that there’s a more important lesson to be learned from this story; Don’t rely on someone or something else to change your fate. What happens after Mr. White attempts to wish on the monkey’s paw? Read “The Monkey’s Paw” to find out.