“The Monkey’s Paw”

Many people say they aren’t superstitious, but those same people might own a lucky charm or get nervous on Friday the 13th. Usually these superstitions are harmless, but sometimes they can interfere with a person’s life. In a small group, brainstorm a list of common superstitions. Then discuss which you think are harmless and which might cause problems or interfere with someone’s life. Be prepared to share. What kinds of events do you or people you know interpret as “signs”? What do people do for good luck – or to avoid bad luck?

Background Talisman/Amulet Amulet – a charm or object that is said to protect the person who holds it and bring good luck. Talisman – similar to an amulet but said to bring more than good luck. It may have magical powers and may grant its holder the power to make a wish come true. Talismans/amulets include such objects as gems, stones, coins, pendants, statues, plants and/or animals. Background

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. In your group, list visual descriptions or sound effects that help create an element of mystery and suspense in the short story’s opening. Make a list of adjectives to describe the setting. In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Re-read lines 1-18. Note words and phrases that describe the setting. What feelings do these suggest? What kind of mood is created? List your ideas. In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Reread lines 62-75. Discuss whether you think the Sergeant Major is being superstitious about the monkey’s paw? Why or why not? In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Reread lines 130-142. Note the imagery in these lines. To what sense does it appeal? Explain how it contributes to the mood. In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. What example of foreshadowing is given in line 162 by Herbert? In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. What happens that convinces Mr. White something is real about the monkey’s paw? Cite the evidence from the text. In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Who is the unanticipated visitor who comes next? What news does he bring? In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Why does Mr. White say that the sound is a rat passing him on the stairs? Why do you think Mr. White is afraid of what might be on the other side of the door? In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.

In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share. Suppose Mr. White did not make that last wish. What would have happened when Mrs. White opened the door? Write an alternate ending. In your group, analyze the following question. Be prepared to share.