Monkey's Paw Check for Understanding

Mr. White first shows fear of the paw because it ____________

• makes his friend anxious

• scratches the mantelpiece

• moves in his hand

• has had a spell put on it

The dialogue in paragraphs 67–68 indicates that Mrs. White and Herbert are ____________

• disagreeing about the possible results of their wish

• mocking the idea that the paw is magic

• happy that they wished for something sensible

• nervous about the harm that the paw might cause

Based on Mr. White’s reaction to the knock on the door in paragraphs 130–136, the reader can conclude that he ____________

• wants his wife to go downstairs

• realizes he ought to make a third wish

• hopes it will stop if he ignores it

• thinks it is a rat trying to get into his room

In the story, what inference can be drawn about Mr. White's initial attitude toward the monkey's paw? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

• He is eager to use it but cautious.

• He is dismissive and uninterested.

• He is afraid of it from the beginning.

• He is indifferent and skeptical.

What evidence from the text suggests that the monkey's paw has a supernatural influence?

• Mrs. White never believes in the paw’s power.

• Sergeant-Major Morris never actually used the paw.

• Herbert is happy and unaffected by the events.

• Mr. White's wish comes true, but in an unexpected way.

Which theme is most developed in The Monkey's Paw?

• The importance of following instructions.

• The danger of tampering with fate.

• The power of love and family bonds.

• The unpredictability of life’s pleasures.

How does the theme of fate develop throughout the story?

• Fate is portrayed as uncontrollable, regardless of personal desires.

• Fate is something that can be changed if one is careful.

• The characters successfully manipulate their fate to achieve happiness.

• Fate has no influence on the events in the story.

How does the author use dialogue to reveal Mr. White's changing attitude towards the monkey's paw throughout the story?

• His excitement increases with each wish.

• He remains indifferent to the consequences.

• He grows more fearful and regretful with each wish.

• He becomes more hopeful about the paw’s power.

What is the significance of Herbert’s sarcastic comments about the monkey’s paw?

• It reveals his optimism and belief in the paw’s power.

• It foreshadows his fate and how the paw will affect him.

• It emphasizes his respect for Sergeant-Major Morris’s warnings.

• It highlights his role as the responsible character in the story.

Which event in the story propels the action toward the climax, and how does it contribute to the rising tension?

• Mr. White's first wish.

• Sergeant-Major Morris’s warning about the paw.

• Herbert’s death and the subsequent delivery of 200 pounds.

• Mrs. White’s insistence on using the paw to wish Herbert back.