The Monkey's Paw Foreshadowing Essay

W.W. Jacobs sets the scene for an ordinary family that is in for a roller coaster of emotions when they get the chance to wish upon a magic paw. “The Monkey’s Paw” is an intriguing story of a family that learns what its means to be careful what you wish for. Through a fictional story, Jacobs uses a variety of elements to teach one to be thankful with what you have. Before the family decides to make any decisions about their wishes, foreshadowing is used to give a sense of what might happen if they follow through with their wishes. In addition to using foreshadowing, there is multitudes of conflict within and between the characters that give us a sense of what each one of them is feeling.

All throughout the beginning of the story foreshadowing

gives an idea about what is going to happen next. Major Morris gives many cues that the paw will only bring pain and sorrow. When he was talking to the Whites about why he has not sold it he says, “‘I did have some idea of selling it, but I don’t think I will. It has caused enough mischief already’”(Jacobs 35). This suggests that whomever has the paw will be apart of something awful. Right after this, Morris throws the paw into the fire and then when Mr. White takes it out Morris says, “‘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’” (Jacobs 35). This is the second warning that Morris gives Mr. White about what will happen if he keeps the paw. The last and final warning Morris gives the Whites is when he says, “‘If you must wish,’ he said, gruffly. ‘Wish for something sensible’” (Jacobs 35). This is a far cry from Morris for the Whites to think about what they will wish for, because it could all turn out horribly. Unfortunately, they do not think before they wish and this causes conflict to arise.

In “The Monkey's Paw” there is many instances that conflict is present.

One of the first examples is when Mr. White is conflicted about whether or not he wants to wish upon the paw. In the story it says, “ Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously. ‘I don’t know what to wish for, and that’s a fact,’ he said, slowly, ‘It seems to me I got all I want’” (Jacobs 36). This leads one to believe that Mr. White is humbled by his quaint life and is hesitant about about wishing to have something changed. Another example of Mr. White having an internal conflict is when his wife begs him to wish their now dead son alive again. As his wife is practically going mad with excitement of her idea, it is stated, “The man turned and regarded her, and his voice shook. ‘He has been dead ten days, and besides he--I would not tell you else, but--I could only recognize him by his clothing. If he was too terrible for you to see then, how now?’” (Jacobs 40). Mr. White realizes that his son is dead and that he should not wish for him to live again because it will not be what his wife is expecting. Yet, his wife’s pleading makes him rethink his decision. After Mr. White finally decides to wish for his son back, it is only a matter of time before they hear a knock on the door that may change their lives forever. Mrs. White immediately runs down stairs and tries to get the door open; on the contrary, Mr. White is fearful of what is on the other side of the door and does not want to

help. This is shown when they are arguing, “‘Don’t let him in,’ cried the old man, trembling. ‘You’re afraid of your own son’ she cried, struggling” (Jacobs 41). Both individuals are strong in their opinion of what is right; this creates a wall of tension between the two characters.

Altogether “The Monkey’s Paw” has many themes that are important, but the main theme is that one should be thankful for what they have.

This is represented many times throughout the story including after the messenger breaks the horrific news about Herbert, the Whites’ son. The Whites are devastated, this is shown by stating, “Unconscious of his wife’s shriek, the old man smiled faintly, put out his hands like a sightless man, and dropped, a senseless heap, to the floor” (Jacobs 39). If Mr. White had not wished for 200 pounds, then Herbert would not have died, and they would have been a whole happy family. Because the Whites were not content with what they had, they wished for money at the cost of their son. All in all, one should be thankful for what they

have.
In summary “The Monkey’s Paw” is a tale that uses key elements to teach a life lesson about being thankful for everything one has. Foreshadowing provides an insight about what is going to happen because of the Whites’ decisions. Additionally, throughout the story the characters have many conflicts within themselves and the others around them; this gives insight to what the characters are feeling. Overall, “The Monkey’s Paw” has many interesting aspects about it and is a fascinating story that will forever show a useful lesson through the hardship of an ordinary family.