1. This is something I recently found. What do you think it is?
What does it do? What is it used for?

3. Focus: To understand the plot of the story
To develop an understanding of how setting is used to create atmosphere.

4. The Monkey’s Paw
This is the title of a short story.
What predictions can you make based on the title?
Think about plot; setting; characters and themes.
By W. W. Jacobs

5. The Monkey’s Paw By W. W. Jacobs 1898 Read all of Part 1 .
Answer the following questions in full, accurately written sentences.
List the characters, their names and relationship to one another.
Where and when does the story start?
Describe the weather at the start of the story.
What has the sergeant major brought with him and what does he claim it can do?
How do the members of the family react to the monkey’s paw and the story?
What does Mr. White wish for and what does the paw do?
What do you think will happen next?
By W. W. Jacobs

6. Predictions… The Monkey’s Paw
Share your ideas: what will happen in the story? Explain the reasons for your ideas.
Now finish the story...

7. Reflect… The Monkey’s Paw
1.How did the story end and why? 2. Imagine the parents opened the door. Describe the scene, using clues from the text.
Now finish the story...

8. The Monkey’s Paw Unit Glossary Literary tradition Horror fiction
Gothic
Prose
Suspense
Tension
Structure
Character
Themes
Unit Glossary
Make a note of these key words.
Jot down the meaning if unsure.
Add any other new terms to your unit glossary.

9. What is suspense?
How does the writer create suspense in the story?
Can you think of any specific examples?

10. Group Discussion Topics
The Monkey’s Paw
Assessment: Reading Response
How does the writer create suspense and tension in The Monkey’s Paw?
Setting
Structure
Characters: behaviour; speech; personalities
Plot
Language
Group Discussion Topics

11. The Monkey’s Paw By W. W. Jacobs 1898
During feedback, make notes. This will form the ideas for your formal response.
Your notes could be organised into a detailed mind map or a chart.
Look for examples from the text as evidence.
By W. W. Jacobs

12. The Monkey’s Paw By W. W. Jacobs 1898 My Example:
One of the ways the writer creates tension is when and where he sets his story. The story begins with a traditional setting for Gothic horror: “the night was cold and wet”. Immediately this creates a negative impression. However, the description of the home sounds cosy with its blinds drawn and a fire which “burned brightly”. This is in contrast with the first description and makes the inside seem safe and warm, and the outside a place of danger. This idea is continued in Mr White’s description of the surroundings: “path’s a bog, and road’s a torrent”. His words suggest that the weather has been wild....
By W. W. Jacobs