Do Now: On a clean sheet of paper in your reading section, respond to the following questions If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for and why? Answer this question carefully and consider all of the consequences of each wish. *You cannot wish for “unlimited wishes.“ Have you ever seen a situation in any other texts where someone is granted wishes and the wishes backfire on them? Describe this situation. Please write continuously for the next ten minutes!

Background Information “The Monkey’s Paw” W.W. Jacobs England, 1902 supernatural short story supernatural: attributed to some force beyond the understanding and/or laws of science and nature Make some predictions based on the title. What is the significance of the monkey’s paw? What might this story be about?

Symbolism a concrete object represents an abstract idea EX: When we see the flag, we think of the United States/freedom EX: Doves usually symbolize peace As we read, consider the question: what does the monkey’s paw symbolize? What abstract thoughts/feelings/ideas are associated with the paw?

Discussion The theme of the story is similar to the curse that was put on the paw: “Fate rules peoples’ lives and those who interfere with fate, do so to their sorrow.” How does the story illustrate this theme? Many horror stories function as warnings to the reader on how not to act. How does “The Monkey’s Paw” function this way? Think of examples of characters acting foolishly and being punished for it.