The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs

What does the monkey’s paw most likely symbolize in the story?

• Greed

• The unpredictability of life

• Fate and destiny

• The consequences of wishful thinking

Why does W. W. Jacobs have the story start with a cozy, warm setting before introducing the monkey’s paw?

• To emphasize the family’s comfort and contentment

• To contrast the safety of home with the danger of the paw

• To suggest that the family is not expecting anything unusual

• To mislead the reader into thinking it’s a happy story

Which theme is best illustrated by Mr. White’s decision to make the final wish?

• Acceptance of fate

• The power of love

• The persistence of hope

• The danger of superstition

How does the narrative structure contribute to the suspense in the story?

• The slow pacing of events lulls the reader into a false sense of security.

• The chronological order makes the reader sympathize with the characters.

• The shift between dialogue and internal thoughts creates tension.

• The use of flashbacks helps reveal the characters’ motivations.

Which literary device is most effective in conveying the eerie atmosphere in the story?

• Irony

• Imagery

• Personification

• Symbolism

How does the story explore the idea of unintended consequences?

• By showing that wishes granted by supernatural forces can only be fulfilled in twisted ways.

• By illustrating how the Whites’ ignorance leads to tragedy.

• By emphasizing the limits of human knowledge and control over fate.

• By suggesting that overconfidence and curiosity bring misfortune.

What might Sergeant-Major Morris’s reluctance to talk about the monkey’s paw imply?

• He does not fully believe in its powers.

• He feels responsible for what happened to others who used it.

• He fears the Whites won’t take his warning seriously.

• He wants to maintain an aura of mystery about the paw.

How does the story’s ending challenge the reader’s expectations?

• The ambiguity leaves it unclear whether the paw had real power or not.

• The final wish leads to an unexpected but peaceful resolution.

• The tragic outcome is the opposite of what readers hope for.

• The tension builds only to end in a subtle, anticlimactic way.

Which of the following best describes the impact of the paw’s curse on Mr. White’s character?

• It drives him to take control of his family’s fate.

• It exposes his deep fear of loss and regret.

• It strengthens his belief in rationality and skepticism.

• It reveals his willingness to sacrifice for his loved ones.

What is ironic about the Whites’ initial attitude toward the monkey’s paw?

• They are excited about the paw’s potential despite knowing it’s cursed.

• They dismiss the paw’s danger, yet take the warnings seriously.

• They mock the paw’s power, yet desire the wealth it could bring.

• They believe the paw can bring them happiness but it brings despair.