by Nick Maziarka

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

Imagine that one of your old friends one day pays you a visit and, during this time, tells you of a shriveled, mummified monkey's paw that can grant three wishes. Many normal people would most likely find such an occurrence incredibly odd. Nevertheless, this one event can basically sum up the tale of "The Monkey's Paw". And although this event may seem too strange or too ridiculous to be told, W.W. Jacobs manages to create an ultimately impressive story revolving around it. Unfortunately, some of the story's greatness is hampered by the dryness of the characters and the lack of characterization. This negative quality, however, seems greatly offset by the use of exciting suspense and by the theme W. W. Jacobs effectively conveys. Due to these redeeming strengths, "The Monkey's Paw" captures the interest of myself and many other readers.

Essentially, the plot of "The Monkey's Paw" seems quite simple and easy to follow. It begins in the British Laburnam Villa, where the White family receives a visit from Sergeant Major Morris, an old friend. This weathered sergeant major chronicles his acquirement of a strange, wish-granting monkey's paw. Although Morris warns of the paw's evils, Mr. White requests that he take the paw for his own use. After Sergeant Major Morris reluctantly gives Mr. White the paw, Mr. White makes his first wish for 200 pounds. Strangely, the Whites are later informed that their son Herbert has died on the job and that his compensation equals such a value. Out of desperation and aggravation, Mr. White wishes for his son to return. After being plagued by a strange knocking, though, Mr. White makes his final wish to make Herbert disappear. Such a mysterious ending leaves the reader hanging.

W. W. Jacobs successfully adds depth and even excitement to his story by injecting suspense and mystery at almost every turn. From the beginning, Jacobs uses somewhat vague dialogue and intriguing character reactions to create tension. For example, Sergeant Major Morris' discomfort while speaking of the paw draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. The audience can understand the uncomfortable history surrounding the strange talisman. This tension exponentially increases when Morris suddenly throws the paw at the fire. At this moment, the military man's true fear and hatred of the paw reveal themselves. The entire climax of the story also radiates pulse-pounding suspense. During the time of the knocking, the reader most likely feels just as tense as the characters

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