The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) Book Summary

by W. W. Jacobs76

TL;DR

A macabre tale about a cursed monkey's paw that grants three wishes with dire consequences, highlighting themes of fate and greed.

What is The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) about

The Monkey's Paw, written by W.W. Jacobs, is a classic horror short story first published in 1902. It tells the story of the White family, who come into possession of a monkey's paw that has the ability to grant three wishes. Despite warnings from the paw's previous owner, Sergeant-Major Morris, the family makes wishes that lead to unforeseen and disastrous consequences. This tale explores themes of fate, the perils of tampering with the natural order, and the unforeseen consequences of greed.

The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) 5 Key Takeaways

Introduction of the Paw

Sergeant-Major Morris visits the White family and introduces them to the monkey's paw, a mystical talisman that grants three wishes. Despite his warnings about its dangerous powers, Mr. White is intrigued and keeps the paw.

The First Wish

The Whites' first wish is for a sum of money. Tragically, this wish is fulfilled the next day when they receive the exact amount as compensation for their son's fatal accident at work.

The Second Wish

Stricken with grief, Mrs. White persuades her husband to use the second wish to bring their son back to life. This wish sets off a series of terrifying events as they realize the horrific implications of their actions.

The Climax

As the resurrected son approaches their home, Mr. White, in a panic, uses the final wish. The nature of this wish is left ambiguous, but it effectively ends the horror, leaving the reader to infer its consequences.

The Resolution

The story concludes with the ominous silence following the final wish, reinforcing the themes of fate and the perils of tampering with nature.

Top The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) Quotes

  • 'Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it.'
  • 'It had a spell put on it by an old fakir... He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.'

Who should read The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics)?

Fans of classic horror and supernatural tales will find The Monkey's Paw captivating. Those who enjoy stories with moral lessons and themes of fate and consequence will also appreciate this timeless work.

About the Author

W.W. Jacobs (1863–1943) was an English author known primarily for his short stories and novels. Although much of his work is humorous, he is best remembered for his macabre tales, particularly The Monkey's Paw. Jacobs' career began in the late 19th century, and he published several collections of short stories, with his most famous work appearing before World War I. His ability to blend humor with horror has ensured his lasting legacy in English literature.

The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) Best Reviews

  • The Guardian: 'W.W. Jacobs masterfully crafts a tale that combines horror with a moral lesson, making The Monkey's Paw a timeless piece that continues to haunt readers.'
  • The New York Times: 'A chilling exploration of human desires and their potential consequences, Jacobs’ story remains a classic in the horror genre.'

The Monkey's Paw (Fantasy & Horror Classics) FAQs

What is the book Monkey's Paw about?

The Monkey's Paw is about a cursed talisman that grants three wishes to its owner, but the wishes come with enormous consequences for interfering with fate.

What is the basic idea of The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs?

The basic idea revolves around a family who receives a monkey's paw that grants three wishes, leading to tragic outcomes and emphasizing the dangers of tampering with fate.

What is the moral of the story The Monkey's Paw?

The moral of the story is to be careful what you wish for and to avoid trying to alter fate, as doing so can lead to unforeseen and often dire consequences.