Monkey’s Paw by W.W.

Jacobs

Calcutta Institute of Technology

CE 3rd Year (6th Sem)

S.B

Introduction:

"The Monkey's Paw" is a horror short story by English author W. W. Jacobs. It first appeared in Harper's
Monthly in 1902, and was reprinted in his third collection of short stories, The Lady of the Barge, later
that year.[1] In the story, three wishes are granted to the owner of The Monkey's Paw, but the wishes
come with an enormous price for interfering with fate.

It has been adapted many times in other media, including plays, films, TV series, operas, stories and
comics, as early as 1903. It was first adapted to film in 1915 as a British silent film directed by Sidney
Northcote. The film (now lost) starred John Lawson, who also played the main character in Louis N.
Parker's 1907 stage play.

Plot:

Part I: Setting the Stage

The story begins on a cold and wet night at Laburnum villa, where Mr. White and his son Herbert are
engaged in a game of chess. Mr. White, known for his risky chess moves, makes a particularly daring
move that prompts comments from his wife, Mrs. White, who is knitting by the fire. The family is
interrupted by the arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris, an old friend of Mr. White's who brings tales of his
adventures in India. During Morris's visit, the conversation turns to a mysterious monkey's paw, which is
said to have the power to grant three wishes. Morris warns of the dangers associated with the paw's
magic and reveals that he obtained it after the previous owner's final wish for death.

Part II: Temptation and Consequences

Intrigued by the possibility of making wishes with the monkey's paw, Mr. White persuades Sergeant-
Major Morris to reveal more about its history. Morris reluctantly shares the story of the paw's