“The Monkey’s Paw” Assessment

Which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

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

• Ignoring the wisdom and experience of others can lead to terrible consequences.

• You should never give up, even if you think a problem is impossible to solve.

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

Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports the answer to the theme of the story?

• "he began to talk, the little family circle regarding with eager interest this visitor from distant parts, as squared his broad shoulders in the chair and spoke of strange scenes and doughty deeds"

• "I won’t, said his friend doggedly. I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again, like a sensible man."

• "Go and get it and wish," cried the old woman, quivering with excitement."

• "But the days passed, and expectation gave place to resignation - the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes miscalled, apathy. Sometimes they hardly exchanged a word, for now they had nothing to talk about, and their days were long to weariness."

The mood during the opening scene of the story can best be described as

• dreary

• tense

• cozy

• comical

Which word best describes Mr. White’s chess playing strategy?

• cautious

• conservative

• carefree

• risk-taking

Which line of dialogue foreshadows what will happen to Herbert?

• "That’s the worst of living so far."

• "It’s just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy."

• "If you must wish, wish for something sensible."

• "Well I don’t see the money, and I bet I never shall."

Which group of words from the story best represents the mood between Mr. White’s second wish and his third wish?

• scraping, creaking, frantically

• boy, Herbert, forgot

• house, bed, listening

Who first suggested that Mr. White wish for 200 pounds?

• Sgt. Major Morris

• Herbert

• Mr. White

• Mrs. White

Why doesn’t Mr. White want to wish a second time?

• He does not miss Herbert as much as Mrs. White.

• He does not believe that the monkey’s paw is magic.

• He understands that a wish will likely come with bad consequences.

• He is afraid the monkey’s paw will come to life again.

What prevents Mrs. White from opening the door?

• The lock is jammed.

• She can’t find the key.

• Something is blocking the door.

• The bolt is too high.

Why did Sgt. Major Morris’s face turn pale?

• He remembered the consequences of his wishes.

• He has had too much to drink.

• He nearly destroyed the monkey’s paw.

• He does not actually believe the tale about the monkey’s paw himself.