The Monkey's Paw Guided Reading Questions

The story is set

• in a restaurant

• in an isolated house

• outside in the rain

• In a town square

How does the White family first react to the sight of the monkey's paw?

• Mr. White and Herbert are interested, but Mrs. White is disgusted.

• Mr. and Mrs. White are interested, but Herbert is suspicious.

• Mrs. White is surprised, but Herbert and Mr. White are irritated.

• Mrs. White and Herbert are uninterested, but Mr. White is enthusiastic.

What does the sergeant-major think of the monkey's paw?

• He thinks it is helpful.

• He thinks it is useless.

• He thinks it is entertaining.

• He thinks it is dangerous.

Which of the following best describes the family's attitude when they make their wish?

• hesitant

• serious

• Playful

• certain

Which of the following best describes how Herbert is feeling when he sits by the fire?

• uneasy

• lonely

• Unconcerned

• Hopeful

Which of the following could NOT be used to describe the family's conversation at the breakfast table?

• anxious

• humorous

• Calm

• Informal

What does the visitor reveal to Mr. and Mrs. White?

• Their son has broken a piece of equipment.

• Their son has been killed in an accident.

• Their son received a promotion.

• Their son has left his job and run away.

Why does Mrs. White scream and Mr. White drop to the floor?

• The visitor insults their son.

• The visitor asks them for money.

• The visitor asks them to come with him to see their son.

• The visitor offers them the amount of money they had wished for.

What does Mrs. White want to do?

• She wants to get the sergeant-major to take back the paw.

• She wants to use the paw to bring their son back to life.

• She wants to use the paw to get revenge on the visitor.

• She wants to destroy the paw by burning it.

How does Mr. White react to his wife's idea?

• He has sympathy for her, but he refuses her request.

• He is horrified, but he does what she asks.

• He is curious about what will happen, so he helps her.

• He is afraid of her idea, so he hides the paw from her.