The Monkeys Paw Themes

Which of the following would be the best theme of The Monkey’s Paw?

• People should not attempt to alter their fate.

• A magical monkey’s paw should never be used to make wishes.

• Be careful what you wish for.

• Money is the root of all evil.

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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

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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 realizes his wishes can have bad consequences.

• He has become angry since Herbert's death.

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In “The Monkey's Paw,” which line spoken by Mr. White hints that the wishes can only change his life for the worse?

• “And what is there special about it?”

• “It seems to me I've got all I want.”

• “There's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the same.”

• “The things happened so naturally ….”

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In Part I, Herbert White says about Sergeant Morris,

“If the tale about the monkey’s paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us,” said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time to catch the last train, “we shan’t make much out of it.”

What does he mean by this, and what attitude is conveyed by his words?

• He is eager to use the monkey’s paw to wish for 200 pounds to pay off the house.

• He is afraid of the magical powers of the monkey’s paw and wishes Sergeant Morris would have taken it with him.

• He doesn’t believe the story of the monkey’s paw and convinced it will not work.

• He doesn’t understand why someone would use a monkey’s paw to make wishes in the first place.

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The White family’s first response to Sergeant Major Morris’ story about the monkey’s paw is mainly:

• uninterested and doubtful

• frightened and worried

• curious and fascinated

• unconcerned and doubtful

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Which piece of textual evidence from the beginning of the story foreshadows the end?

• "What was that you started telling me the other day about a monkey's paw or something, Morris?"

• "If you don't want it, Morris," said the other, "give it to me."

• "I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again like a sensible man."

• "I wish for two hundred pounds," said the old man distinctly…

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Which event represents the primary conflict of "The Monkey's Paw"?

• Sergeant Major Morris advises Mr. White to throw the paw into the fire.

• The man from Maw and Meggins delivers bad news of their son's death to the Whites.

• Mr. White hears knocking on the door after the second wish and he is terrified.

• Mr. and Mrs. White disagree on whether or not to open the door.

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Which statement best describes the sergeant major’s attitude toward the monkey’s paw?

• He doesn’t believe the paw can grant wishes.

• He plans to sell the monkey’s paw to make money.

• He believes the monkey’s paw can cause harm to those who use it.

• He believes the monkey’s paw is worthless and should be thrown away.

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What is the primary theme of 'The Monkey's Paw'?

• A) The danger of interfering with fate

• B) The joy of unexpected wealth

• C) The importance of family

• D) The power of friendship

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