Monkey's Paw Quiz

Read the following sentence from paragraph 26 of the story.

He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.

How does this sentence best illustrate the theme of the text?

• A It illustrates that there are consequences to using the monkey’s paw to change fate.

• B It suggests that we all have control over our own fate and using the monkey’s paw will not change fate.

• C It implies that the monkey’s paw can rule people’s lives and fates.

• D It shows that nobody has control of their own fate without the monkey’s paw.

Read the sentence below from paragraph 40 of the story.

“Better let it burn,” said the soldier solemnly.

This sentence is important to the text because it —

• A implies that the soldier does not want the monkey’s paw

• B predicts that something bad will come from the monkey’s paw

• C illustrates that the soldier is angry at the monkey’s paw

• D hints that people do not believe in the monkey’s paw

Read the following sentence from paragraph 71 of the story.

All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman’s knock, when she found that the post brought a tailor’s bill.

The author includes this sentence most likely to —

• A show that Mrs. White is a diligent and sensible housekeeper

• B reveal that Mrs. White has little trust in her postman’s ability

• C reveal that Mrs. White believes in the monkey’s paw more than she lets on

• D show that Mrs. White is nervous and apprehensive about what might happen

What do paragraphs 101–121 reveal about Mr. White?

• A He doesn’t want to touch the monkey’s paw.

• B He knows that the monkey’s paw is dangerous and should not be used.

• C He doesn’t think that the monkey’s paw will bring their son back.

• D He believes that it will be okay if he makes another wish with the monkey’s paw.

Which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

• A. It is not wise to trust strangers, even when they promise to be loyal to you.

• B. Attempting to alter fate can lead to terrible consequences

• C. You should never give up, even if you think you are destined for doom.

• D. You can overcome tragedy if you rely on your family and friends.

What is the major conflict in the story?

• A. The Sargent throwing the monkey's paw into the fire.

• B. The whites family questioning the Sargent about the monkey's paw.

• C. Mrs. White rushing to open the door at the end of the story.

• D. The White family using the Monkey's paw despite the Sargent's warning.

What is an example of external conflict in the story?

• A. Mr. White making a wish with the monkey's paw for 200 pounds.

• B. Herbert going to work, but he never returned home.

• C. Mrs. White demanding Mr. White to make another wish with the monkey's paw, but he did not want to.

• D. The stranger mysterious deciding whether or not to approach the White's house.

What is the climax in Monkey's Paw?

• A. The nicely dressed stranger informing Mr. White and Mrs. White that Herbert died in a work accident.

• B. Someone was banging on the door in the middle of the night, and Mrs. White rushed to open the door.

• C. Mr. White making a third wish with the monkey's paw.

• D. Mr. White making a wish with the monkey's paw for 200 pounds.

How do paragraphs 63-72 contribute to an understanding of the mood at this point in the story?

• A. They create a suspenseful mood with details about the old man’s nightmares and Mrs. White’s concern.

• B. They establish an angry mood to show how the family feels about Mr. White making the wish.

• C. They build on the gloomy mood that was established in Part I of the story.

• D. They show that the mood has changed from disturbing to light-hearted.

How does the dialogue in paragraphs 78-94 develop the plot of the story?

• A. It reveals that Mr. White’s wish has been granted but not in the way they expected.

• B. It shows that the visitor is uncomfortable with what he has to say, even though he is bringing a gift.

• C. It suggests that Mrs. White is concerned about her husband and takes steps to help him deal with the news he’s received.

• D. It shows the sergeant-major reappearing in the story and causing more problems within the family.