Quiz on 'The Monkey's Paw'

What is “The Monkey’s Paw” about?

• A retired sergeant major who brings a magical monkey’s paw home from India

• An unsuspecting son who dies as a result of his mother’s greed

• A monkey’s paw that grants three wishes to three different people

• A magical but evil monkey’s paw that ruins the quiet life of a family

Answer explanation

"The Monkey’s Paw" is about a magical but evil monkey’s paw that disrupts a family's peaceful life by granting wishes that lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the dangers of tampering with fate.

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Morris grows pale after recalling his third wish on the monkey's paw because

• he is frightened by the idea of magic.

• he is trying not to laugh as he fools his easily tricked friends.

• he is recalling the horrible effects of his wishes.

• he is ashamed of believing in the power of the monkey’s paw.

Answer explanation

Morris grows pale because he is recalling the horrible effects of his wishes. The consequences of using the monkey's paw have been tragic, making him realize the dangers of tampering with fate.

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The man who Morris said wished for death probably did so because

• he had become very ill and was in great pain.

• his wishes had caused horrible things to happen.

• he had wished for everlasting life and did not really want it.

• he had killed everyone he loved with his wishes.

Answer explanation

The man wished for death likely because his wishes had caused horrible things to happen, leading to regret and despair. This aligns with the idea that his desires had negative consequences, prompting such a wish.

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Which line helps you predict that the first wish will come true?

• “I don’t know what to wish for, and that’s a fact.”

• “Never mine, though; there’s no harm done.”

• “As I wished it twisted in my hand like a snake.”

• “I expect you’ll find the cash tied up in a big bag in the middle of your bed.”

Answer explanation

The line "As I wished it twisted in my hand like a snake" suggests a magical or transformative quality to the wish, indicating that it is likely to come true, as it implies a strong connection between the wish and its manifestation.

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The effect of the first wish is foreshadowed when

• there is a crash from the piano, which Herbert is playing.

• Mr. White faints.

• Herbert urges his father to wish to be an emperor.

• Mr. White loses the chess game to his son.

Answer explanation

The crash from the piano foreshadows the chaos and consequences that follow the first wish, indicating that the wish will lead to unexpected and possibly disastrous results.

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Which line foreshadows what will happen to Herbert?

• “I don’t see the money…and I bet I never shall.”

• “Why, we’re going to be rich, and famous, and happy.”

• “If you only cleared the house, you’d be quite happy…”

• “I expect you’ll find the cash tied up in a big bag…”

Answer explanation

The line "I don’t see the money…and I bet I never shall" foreshadows Herbert's fate by expressing doubt about the money's existence, hinting at impending misfortune related to their wishes.

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When a stranger comes to the Whites’ door, Mrs. White first thinks that he has come to

• announce Herbert’s death.

• give Mr. White 200 pounds.

• ask them for the monkey’s paw.

• present a bill from the tailor.

Answer explanation

When the stranger arrives, Mrs. White initially believes he is there to give Mr. White 200 pounds as compensation for Herbert's death, reflecting her hope and the story's themes of fate and consequence.

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Which aspect of Mrs. White’s character helps you predict what the second wish will be?

• She is a loving mother.

• She has no fear of death.

• She does not believe in magic.

• She is very matter-of-fact.

Answer explanation

Mrs. White's love for her child drives her decisions. This emotional bond suggests that her second wish will likely be motivated by a desire to restore or protect her child, reflecting her role as a loving mother.

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Why is Mr. White afraid to wish a second time?

• He does not believe the paw can grant wishes.

• He is so grief-stricken that he forgets the paw.

• He has become so angry since Herbert’s death.

• He realizes his wishes can have bad consequences.

Answer explanation

Mr. White is afraid to wish a second time because he realizes that his previous wishes led to tragic consequences, particularly the death of Herbert, making him wary of the paw's power.

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What is outside the door after the second wish?

• The man from Maw and Meggins

• Herbert’s body, back from the dead

• The holy fakir

• Morris

Answer explanation

After the second wish in 'The Monkey's Paw', Herbert's body returns, symbolizing the tragic consequences of tampering with fate. This choice highlights the story's theme of unintended outcomes from wishes.

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