The Monkeys Paw

Short Story by W.W. Jacobs

Introducing the Short Story

Literary Analysis: Mood
Reading Skill: Identify Type of
Narrator
Vocabulary in Context

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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.

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INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY

Are you SUPERSTITIOUS?

Many people say they arent superstitious.

But those same people might own a lucky charm or

act in a way that is considered superstitious.

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INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY

Are you SUPERSTITIOUS?

DONT cross the path of a black cat!
Break a mirror and youve got seven years of bad luck!
See a black crow? Youre simply doomed!
Dont step on a crack or youll break your mothers back!

In the selection you are about to read, curiosity about the power of an unusual object brings unexpected
consequences.

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INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY

Are you SUPERSTITIOUS?

DISCUSS

What kind of superstitious behavior do you or

people you know believe in?

In pairs, brainstorm a list of common

superstitions.

Then discuss the view of Islam on superstition.

Share your findings with the class.

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Vocabulary Words of the Selection

compensation n. something, such as money, received as

payment

credulity n. a disposition to believe too readily

fate n. a power that is thought to determine the course of events

grimace n. a facial expression of pain or disgust

peril n. danger

resignation n. acceptance of something that is inescapable

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compensation
Choose the vocabulary word from the box at right that best completes each sentence below.

credulity
fate
grimace

1. The old womans ________________ allowed

the stranger to trick her.
credulity

peril
resignation

2. My creepy neighbor wanted ________________ for his broken

window.
compensation

3. The sailors faced great _____________ as the storm

peril approached.

4.grimace
His ________________ scared the children.
5. Tom sighed with
________________ upon realizing he was lost.
resignation
6. Had she not been saved, she could have met a terrible ___________.

fate

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Identify Type of Narrator

You have learned that a narrator is the voice that tells a

story.

A third-person narrator is not a character in the

story, but, rather, an outside voice.

Now you will learn that a third-person narrator may be objective or

subjective.

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Identify Type of Narrator

An objective narrator reports events in a factual

A subjective narrator recounts events with a

way, without sharing any characters hidden

characters thoughts, feelings, and observations. A

thoughts or feelings.

subjective narrator can be limited or omniscient.

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Identify Type of Narrator

As you read The Monkeys Paw, try to determine whether it is told by an objective narrator or a subjective one.
Use a chart like the one shown below to record the narrators observations.

Event

Narrators Description

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Chess board

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An old parlor

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What is happening p. 164

Listen and follow:

How many people are in the room? What is each
one of them doing?
How would you describe the fathers way of playing?
Reread lines 8-12. What do you think is the meaning
of the word Hark line 8?
Why does the father talk about the weather outside?
Who is the narrator, and what is the type of narrator
in this story?

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Mood

Mood is the feeling or atmosphere the writer creates for the reader.

There are as many moods as

there are emotionscheerful,
gloomy, anxious,
superstitious, mysterious.

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Mood

Writers create mood through

the choice of setting, including

time and place

imagerydescriptions that appeal

to the readers senses

characters actions, feelings, thoughts, motivations

etc.

As you read The Monkeys Paw, notice how the story makes you feel and which words or passages make
you feel that way.

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Read lines 15-22

What mood is created for the reader in
these lines?
Think before your answer about the
elements that contribute to the mood.
Is it the setting, imagery, or characters?
Support your answer with details from the
text.

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What is the familys name?

What is upsetting Mr. White?
Read the rest of page 165.
According to lines 23-28, why is the father really upset?
Who is Herbert White?
What new character is introduced? What do we learn
about him?
Did Sergeant-Major Morris make an unexpected visit?
Support your answer.
What do you think Mr. White condoled the Sergeant for?

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Assignment

Bring G.B.
Read p. 164 168 (till Pause & Reflect)
Paste paper strip and answer the
questions in your copybook.

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1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

7.
8.
9.

Reading Comprehension
Questions p. 166-168

What does the old man mean by Twenty years of it. in line 46?
What is the family suddenly interested about on p. 166?
Use the dictionary to find the meaning of the word spell.
Read lines 85-99 and focus on the description of the character, Morris.
What mood does it create in you? Support your answer with details from
the text.
How many men have used the monkeys paw so far to make three
wishes?
Underline all the details about the paw (lines 70 112). Based on the way
Morris spoke about the paw, would you take it and use it to fulfill three
things you really wish for? Explain your answer.
Find the meaning of the words gruffly and sensible lines 128- 129.
Reread lines 122-129. Compare how the Whites and Morris feel about
the monkeys paw at that moment?
What does the last warning in lines 128-129 imply? Elaborate.