Monkey's Paw Practice 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 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

• hints 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.

The author best creates suspense with which of the following sentences?

• “He was caught in the machinery.”

• “It looks like just an ordinary little paw all dried up.”

• “It moved! When I wished, it twisted in my hand, like a snake.”

• “Did you live in India a long time, Sergeant Major?”

Why does Mr. White wish for two hundred pounds?

• Herbert thought the 200 pounds could be used to pay off the house

• Mr. White spent too much money paying for the monkey's paw

• Sgt. Major Morris said it was a reasonable thing to wish for

• Mrs. White wanted a new piano

What is the definition of the underlined word? While Mr. White and his son were playing chess, Mr. White put his king into " . . . sharp and unnecessary perils that . . ."

gullibility, falling for anything

Major theme of the story:

Mood is:

• the overall atmosphere of the story or part of the story

• what my mom says I have in the morning

• the author's attitude towards characters and settings

• the opposite of what is expected

Tone is:

• the overall atmosphere of the story or part of the story

• what my mom says I have in the morning

• the author's attitude towards characters and settings

• the opposite of what is expected