The Monkeys Paw Themes

Which is a theme of the play?

• Mr. White should never have used the monkey's paw.

• Mr. White's wish for 200 pounds led to Herbert's death.

• Never trust a monkey.

• It is dangerous to interfere with fate.

^{What might be the most appropriate THEME in "The Monkey's Paw"?}

• You don't know what you've got until it's gone.

• Monkeys make good pets.

• They should have made a wish with a rabbit's foot.

• Be careful what you wish for.

If Mr. White had listened to the Sergeant, how might the outcome been different?

• Herbert would still be alive.

• The monkey's paw would be in a museum.

• They would have eaten pancakes for breakfast.

• Mrs. White would be working for Maw and Meggins.

A messenger from Maw & Meggins tells the Whites that they are receiving 200 pounds. This detail is important to the plot because

• it shows that Sergeant Morris knew that Herbert would die if Mr. White made a wish.

• it reveals that the monkey's paw granted Mr. White's wish in a horrible way.

• it resolves Mr. White's problem of needing to pay off his house.

• it creates a conflict between the Whites and Maw & Meggins.

What IS NOT a theme of "The Monkey's Paw?"

• Those who interfere with fate, do so to their own sorrow.

• Money can't buy happiness

• Be happy with what you have

• Live your life to the fullest

In "The Monkey's Paw," why does Sergeant Major Morris grow pale when the Whites ask him about his three wishes on the monkey's paw?

• The idea of magic frightens him.

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

• He is remembering the horrible effects of his wishes.

• He is ashamed of believing in the monkey's paw.

In "The Monkey's Paw," which detail foreshadows the effect of Mr. White's first wish?

• There is a crashing sound from the piano, which Herbert is playing.

• Mr. White faints after the monkey's paw moves in his hand.

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

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

In "The Monkey's Paw," what fact about Mrs. White helps you predict what the second wish will be?

• She is a loving mother who is saddened by her son's death.

• She does not believe Herbert is actually dead.

• She does not believe in the magic of the monkey's paw.

• She is very angry at Sergeant Morris.

_{In "The Monkey's Paw," what is outside the door after Mr. White's second wish?}

• the man from Maw and Meggins

• Herbert, back from the dead

• Sergeant Morris

• the monkey looking for his missing paw

_{^{Which event in "The Monkey's Paw," signals the resolution of the story?}}

• Sergeant Morris comes to visit the Whites.

• Mr. White makes his second wish on the paw.

• The messenger from Maw and Meggins visits the Whites.

• The knocking at the door stops after Mr. White's third wish.