The monkeys paw

The Monkey's Paw is a famous short story by W.W. Jacobs, first published in 1902. It tells the story of a magical talisman, the monkey's paw, which is said to have the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses it. But as the story unfolds, the consequences of using the paw become clear, and the characters must face the terrifying consequences of their actions.

The story opens with Mr. and Mrs. White and their son, Herbert, gathered around the fire on a cold and rainy night. They are joined by Sergeant-Major Morris, an old friend of Mr. White's who has just returned from his travels in India. Morris tells the family about the monkey's paw, which he obtained from a fakir, or holy man, during his travels.

The monkey's paw, Morris explains, has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses it. But he warns the Whites not to use it, saying that it is cursed and that the wishes it grants come with terrible consequences.

Despite Morris's warnings, the Whites are intrigued by the monkey's paw and ask to see it. Morris reluctantly retrieves it from his pocket and shows it to them. It is an old, shriveled paw with three fingers, and Mrs. White recoils at the sight of it.

Morris tells the family that he has used two of the paw's wishes already and that he has no desire to use the third. He throws the paw onto the fire, but Mr. White quickly retrieves it and begs Morris to let him keep it.

Morris warns Mr. White again about the dangers of the paw and then takes his leave. The Whites retire to bed, but Mr. White cannot stop thinking about the monkey's paw and its potential for granting wishes.

The next day, Herbert goes off to work at the local factory, and Mr. White spends the day brooding over the monkey's paw. Finally, he decides to make a wish, and he asks the paw for two hundred pounds.

At first, nothing happens, and Mr. White dismisses the whole thing as a silly superstition. But later that day, they receive news that Herbert has been killed in a machinery accident at the factory. The company offers them two hundred pounds in compensation, and the Whites are stunned.

Mrs. White becomes obsessed with the idea of using the monkey's paw to bring their son back to life. Mr. White is hesitant, but he eventually gives in to his wife's pleas and makes a wish for their son's return.

That night, they hear a knocking at the door, and Mrs. White realizes with horror that it is their son's ghost. Mr. White frantically uses the paw's final wish to make the ghost disappear, and the story ends with the couple in despair, realizing too late the terrible price they have paid for their wishes.

The Monkey's Paw is a classic horror story that explores themes of greed, temptation, and the consequences of our actions. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of making deals with the supernatural and the importance of being content with what we have.

The story also touches on the theme of grief and the desperate desire to cling to loved ones, even in death. Mrs. White's obsession with using the monkey's paw to bring back her son reflects the universal human fear of losing those we love and the lengths we will go to in order to keep them with us.

Overall, The Monkey's Paw is a chilling and thought-provoking tale that has endured for over a century. Its themes are still relevant today, and its message about the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of living in the present continues to resonate with readers of all ages.