Monkeys Paw

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 illustrate the theme of the text?

• It suggests that believing only in the power of fate can ruin people’s lives.

• It suggests that people control their own fate and all the events in their lives.

• It implies that only some people should have power over the lives or fate of others.

• It implies that nobody should try to control their own fate or the lives of other people.

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 —

• explains why the soldier does not want the monkey’s paw

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

• illustrates how the soldier thinks the monkey’s paw is worthless

• hints that nobody really believes in the magic of the monkey’s paw

Read the following sentence from paragraph 64 of the story.

“. . . and something horrible squatting up on top of the wardrobe watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains.”

Which statement best describes how this sentence foreshadows the events to come?

• It shows that Herbert believes monsters are real.

• It points to the idea that Herbert will be harmed.

• It hints that some kind of evil will visit the White family.

• It suggests that the White family is in need of money.

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 —

• show that Mrs. White is diligent and sensible about her life

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

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

• show that Mrs. White is nervous and apprehensive about the monkey’s paw

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

• He knows that the monkey’s paw is dangerous.

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

• He doesn’t want to spend one of his wishes trying to bring their son back.

• He knows that everything will be okay if he can just make one more wish.

Why does the author of the story introduce Sergeant-Major Morris? Cite evidence to
support your answer.

7        Which scene in the film clip suggests that one of the characters feels hopeful?

• When Mrs. White remembers they have two more wishes

• When Mr. White realizes how they can use the second wish

• When Mrs. White is trying to open the door

• When Mr. White is in bed staring at the candle

The scene in the film clip when Mr. White sees a flash of Herbert in his coffin is important because it —

• shows what the monkey’s paw will do to anyone who uses its wishes

• suggests that the Mr. White has a vivid imagination

• suggests that the monkey’s paw has a sense of justice

• shows that a badly injured Herbert is rising from the grave

The film clip and Part III of the short story depict the events similarly, but they have some notable differences. Mark the boxes to indicate which event(s) are depicted in the story version of “The Monkey’s Paw” ONLY.

Pick 2!

• Mr. White knows exactly where the monkey’s paw is.

• Mr. White tells Mrs. White she must let her son go.

• Mr. White says it has been ten days since Herbert died in the factory.

• Mr. White tells Mrs. White that the sound they hear downstairs is a rat.

The film clip and Part III of the short story depict the events similarly, but they have some notable differences. Mark the boxes to indicate which event(s) are depicted in the film version ONLY

Pick 2!

• Mr. White knows exactly where the monkey’s paw is.

• Mr. White tells Mrs. White she must let her son go.

• Mr. White says it has been ten days since Herbert died in the factory.

• Mr. White tells Mrs. White that the sound they hear downstairs is a rat.