The Monkey's Paw Comprehension Test Review

1. The mood inside the house during the opening chess scene of the story can best be described as…

• a. dreary.
• b. tense.
• c. cozy.
• d. comical.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

2. Which tone words from the story help create a cozy mood in the exposition of the story?

• magic, spell, old fakir, strange peoples
• fire burned brightly, amiable, hospitable, little family circle
• unlooked-for violence, beastly, torrent
• burly, rubicund of visage, wars and plagues, hastily

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

3. Before leaving for work, Herbert says to his father, "Well, don't break into the money before I come back. I'm afraid it'll turn you into a mean, avaricious man, and I shall have to disown you." Why might Mr. White be described as avaricious?

• a. He invites Morris into his home for drinks and dinner.
• b. He makes the second wish to please his wife.
• c. He uses the paw to make wishes, even though he claims to have everything he needs.
• d. He becomes angry and starts complaining about his out-of-the-way home when he is losing a game of chess.

4. Which line of dialogue below foreshadows what will happen to Herbert?

• a. “That’s the worst of living so far out.”
• b. “It’s just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy.”
• c. “If you must wish, wish for something sensible.”
• d. “Well I don’t see the money, and I bet I never shall.”

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

5. What is the inciting incident of the story?

• a. Mr. White and his son are playing chess by the fire.
• b. Morris visits and brings the monkey's paw.
• c. Mr. White wishes for 200 pounds
• d. Mrs. White struggles with a bolt on the door to let in Herbert.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

CCSS.W.9-10.9

6. Which is an example of prophecy foreshadowing?

• a. As Mr. White wished, the paw twisted in his hand.
• b. When the story begins, it is cold and wet and the wind is blowing fiercely.
• c. According to Morris, an old fakir cursed the monkey's paw to show that those who interfere with fate, do so to their sorrow.
• d. On the morning of Herbert's death, the sun is shining bright and the mood at breakfast is wholesome and cheerful.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

7. Which is an example of fallacy foreshadowing?

• a. As Mr. White wished, the paw twisted in his hand.
• b. When the story begins, it is cold and wet and the wind is blowing fiercely.
• c. According to Morris, an old fakir cursed the monkey's paw to show that those who interfere with fate, do so to their sorrow.
• d. On the morning of Herbert's death, the sun is shining bright and the mood at breakfast is wholesome and cheerful.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.8

CCSS.SL.9-10.3

8. What role does Herbert play in creating conflict in the plot?

• a. He is skeptical of the paw at first.
• b. He is skilled in chess.
• c. He suggests the first wish.
• d. He goes to work after the first wish is made.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

9. What is a motif?

• a. The lesson or moral of the story.
• b. An element that shows up repeatedly for a specific purpose.
• c. The use of clues to hint at later events.
• d. The atmosphere created by the words used in a story.

10. What occurs in the falling action of the story?

• a. Mr. White wishes for 200 pounds.
• b. A messenger brings 200 pounds as compensation for Herbert's death.
• c. Mrs. White struggles with a bolt on the door to let in Herbert.
• d. The door opens and nothing is there.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.5