Careless Decisions In The Monkey's Paw By W. Jacobs

768 Words2 Pages

Mr. White's careless decisions throughout the short story “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs show that he is undeniably responsible for the sorrows that befell his family. Mr. White brushed off Sergeant-Major Morris's warnings on multiple occasions and foolishly wished again and again when he knew of the consequences. Suppose Mr. White had been more cautious and heeded the multiple warnings, his family wouldn't have had to bear the weight of his actions with their sorrow.
Although Sergeant-Major Morris peaked the Whites curiosity of the monkey's paw by telling them the story and showing them the paw, he tried on several occasions to inform them the danger of wishing. Mr. White brought up the subject of monkey's paw again when Morris entered the house which heightened Mrs. White's curiosity. “What was that you started telling me the other day about the monkey's paw or something, Morris?” (pg.682). Sergeant-Major tells the …show more content…

White was ready to make his first wish, he realized he had nothing that he desired and made the mistake of wishing for 200 pounds. “I don't know what to wish for, and thats a fact,” he said slowly. “It seems to me I've got all I want”(p.685). Although some may believe that Herbert is at fault because he mocked the power of the monkey's paw and suggested to wish for the 200 pounds in the first place, any normal human being would feel a bit skeptic if they were told a little talisman had magical powers. Also, Mr. White didn't have to wish for the money if he didn't want to. On page 686, Mr. White was “smiling shamefacedly at his own credulity.” Not only him, but both Mrs. White and Herbert both think that Mr. White is “credulous” or gullible. This suggests (but doesn't prove) that he might have had fallen for some schemes in the past. Had Mr. White been less gullible and not made the careless decision of wishing for money that he didn't need, he would've not lost his one and only son, Herbert, or caused the grief and sorrow of his

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