The Monkey’s Paw By W.W. Jacobs

short for “checkmate,” the winning move in a chess game Terms to Know Mate short for “checkmate,” the winning move in a chess game

Arabian Nights A collection of ancient tales from Arabia, India, Persia, and other countries; also know as The Thousand and One Nights. Many of the stories involve wishes and magic

Pounds British money – 200 hundred pounds would be worth about 1,000 dollars at the time of the story

liability Legal responsibility for damage or loss

About the Author – W.W. Jacobs Born in England Full name William Wymark Jacobs His father worked on the shipping docks Because of this experience most of W.W. Jacobs stories are humorous seafaring tales He wrote more than 150 stories “The Monkey’s Paw” is his most famous story 1863-1943

Characters Mr. and Mrs. White (residents of the home) Their son, Herbert, who is 19. Sergeant Major Morris – a friend who served in the British Army in India for 21 years A Stranger

The Setting The story takes place in an English suburb in the White family’s home. It is around the year 1920 The first scene opens on a dark and stormy winter night A guest arrives at the house

Literature Terms SUSPENSE: the uncertainty or anxiety the reader feels about what will happen next. Look for examples of how the writer creates suspense in “The Monkey’s Paw”.

After reading questions What is the mood at the beginning of the story? How does the author set the mood? How does the first owner’s wish foreshadow what is to come? How does Morris’s statement “I’m warning you, you won’t like the consequences.” add to the suspense?

Summary Summarize “The Monkey’s Paw” INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Remember to include the mood of the story. Discuss one use of foreshadowing. Discuss at least two examples of suspense