Justify the title of the story the monkey's paw
Answers
The story ‘The Monkey’s Paw’ has been appropriately and aptly titled by its author, W.W. Jacobs. The story’s plot runs on supernatural events. Mr. and Mrs. White are an old couple having a son, Herbert who works at a factory. The family has a friend, Sergeant-Major Morris, who has worked in India. He has brought from there a mummified monkey’s paw which has a magic spell on it form an Indian fakir. The paw has the power to grant three wishes which always lead to macabre consequences.
Morris has already experienced using the satanic paw. One day he talks about its evil powers to Mr. White while visiting them; Mr. White becomes curious about using the powers of the paw; but Morris warns him against it. He throws the paw into the fire; but Mr. White picks it up.
He wishes for £ 200 to pay the mortgage of his house. The next day his son dies in an accident at the factory. Mr. White receives £ 200 as compensation from the factory. Mr. White and Mrs. White become terribly depressed and sad after the demise of their son. After a few days Mrs. White asks Mr. White to use the power of the paw to bring Herbert back to life. He uses the power; at night they hear vigorous knocking on the door; Mr. White realizes by this time Herbert’s corpse must have become quite ugly and horrible. He wishes the third wish for not seeing Herbert.
Thus all the three wishes are granted; but Whites really have to pay a heavy irreparable price. Monkey’s Paw is the nucleus of the story; all the important events and climax are directly associated with the paw. Hence, The Monkey’s Paw is the most appropriate title.