Why does the story start with the father and son playing chess? Does the father’s strategy at the chess game tell you anything about his personality? If so, what?
Note any of the characters’ actions you feel are significant on the chart below. What conclusions can you draw about each of the characters from analyzing their actions?
Why does Major Morris throw the monkey's paw onto the fire and why do the Whites react so strongly?
What happens to Herbert White?
What do you think happened at the end of the story? Why does Mr. White beg his wife not to let "it" into the house? What does he mean? What is he afraid of? Who or what was outside of the house?
How does Jacobs set the mood and/or tone of the story? How does he build suspense? Think about the way he uses silence as a way to create a mood.
What does Jacobs describe at the end as the husband and wife lie in bed waiting for their wish to come true?
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?