Analyzing Story Structure and Themes in "The Monkey's Paw"

What theme is primarily developed through the Sergeant-Major's warnings about the monkey's paw?

• • The value of friendship in times of need

• • The dangers of interfering with fate

• • The importance of family bonds

• • The power of positive thinking

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

How does the structure of the story (text) contribute to building suspense?

• • By using multiple narrators

• • Through flashbacks to earlier events

• • By dividing the story into three distinct parts that escalate tension

• Through detailed descriptions of the weather

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.3.3

CCSS.RL.4.5

What does Mr. White's behavior during the chess game (scene 1, para. 2) reveal about his character?

• • He is highly skilled at strategy

• • He is overly aggressive

• • He tries to hide his mistakes from others

• • He is naturally lucky

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.4

CCSS.RF.3.4C

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.2

Which statement best explains how the structure of the story contributes to its meaning?

• The story uses a flashback to reveal how the paw was created.
  

• The story builds suspense through a sequence of wish–consequence–reaction.
  

• The story alternates between different narrators to create irony.
  

• The story lists wishes in order without showing consequences.

Which event best develops the plot’s rising action?

• The paw is thrown into the fire.
  

• Herbert jokes about wishing for money.
  

• The Sergeant warns them not to use the paw.
  

• Mr. White makes his first wish.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.3.3

CCSS.RL.4.5

Which of the following is the best paraphrase of the sergeant's warning?

• People should use the paw to get whatever they want.
  

• The paw grants wishes, but they often come with terrible consequences.
  

• The paw is fake, and only fools believe in it.
  

• The paw will make families rich and powerful.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

Read the line: “The old fakir put a spell on it, a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives.”
What does the word fakir most likely mean in this context?

• A poor traveler
  

• A holy man or mystic
  

• A magician who tricks people
  

• A soldier

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RI.2.4

CCSS.RI.3.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

Which sentence uses capitalization correctly?

• Mr. White whispered, “Herbert, don’t open The Door.”
  

• The family lived in Laburnam villa, in england.
  

• The Sergeant-Major told the story of the paw.
  

• Mrs. White cried, “Herbert is Dead!”

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

How does the author use descriptive details to create meaning in the final scene?

• • By focusing on the brightness of the street

• • Through elaborate descriptions of Herbert

• • By emphasizing sounds and darkness

• • Through detailed weather descriptions

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

How does the structure of the first paragraph establish the story's mood?

• • By describing the comfortable interior versus the harsh exterior

• • By introducing all the main characters

• • By explaining the monkey's paw

• • By focusing on family conflict

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.K.3