The Monkey's Paw Vocabulary

“Did you give him anything for it, Father?” inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely.

“A trifle,” said he, coloring slightly. “He didn’t want it, but I made him take it. And he pressed me again to throw it away.”

• an object of very little value

• a matter that is insignificant

• a very small amount

• to mess with, treat disrespectfully

At first, the magical monkey's paw strained the _____________ of the Whites.  

• credulity

• fate

• peril

• resignation

Sergeant Major Morris received the monkey's paw, also known as a ___________________________, from the old ___________________________ in India.

• fakir, talisman

• talisman, fakir

• talisman, coincidence

Some might say it was no ______________________ that something bad happened to the White's after ignoring the warnings of Sergeant Major Morris.

• fancy

• amiable

• coincidence

In "The Monkey's Paw," the word "maligned" is used to describe the paw. What does "maligned" mean?

• Praised

• Misunderstood

• Spoken ill of

• Celebrated

What does the word "peril" most closely mean as used in the context of the story "The Monkey's Paw"?

• Adventure

• Safety

• Danger

• Rescue

In the story, the word "credulity" is used to describe the Whites' reaction to the paw's powers. What does "credulity" mean?

• Skepticism

• Disbelief

• Believability

• Gullibility

In 'The Monkey's Paw,' what does the word 'fakir' refer to?

• A holy man or religious ascetic

• A type of monkey

• A magical object

• A wealthy merchant

What is the meaning of the word 'talisman' as used in 'The Monkey's Paw'?

• A magical object believed to bring good luck

• A type of ancient coin

• A dangerous animal

• A mysterious location

In the context of 'The Monkey's Paw,' what does 'resignation' mean?

• Acceptance of something undesirable

• A formal statement of quitting a job

• A type of legal document

• A feeling of excitement