Short Stories Essay One can often become caught up in greediness out of pure obsession, the strive for a better well being, or blatant curiosity. Greed is a very evident topic within the short stories, “How Much Land Does a Man Need”, by Leo Tolstoy, “Contents of a Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney, and “The Monkey's Paw’ by W.W Jacobs. Throughout these short stories, the main characters find themselves overfilled with greed, which is most responsible for their biggest downfalls. Some find themselves risking everything: their lives, their marriages, their families. The main characters indulge in selfish behaviors in order to fulfill their greediness. Greed comes in all various forms and extremes. Primarily, the main character, Pahom,
…show more content…
Tom is entirely invested in an independent project at work that pulls him away from what truly matters, his wife and his love for her. He felt as if he was not doing right by his wife, and when she tried to bring his distraction towards work up to him, he would play her off and make excuses for his excessive working habits. Finney writes on page 5, “‘You won’t mind, though, will you, when the money comes rolling in and I’m known as the Boy Wizard of Wholesale Groceries’” (Finney 5). All of his choices are directly correlated with moving up the corporate ladder or making more money. When the yellow sheet of paper flutters out the window, he debates for several seconds of whether or not to chase after the paper. Finney writes on page 8, “it wouldn’t bring him a raise in pay- not immediately… it won’t bring me a promotion either..- not of itself “ (Finney 8). All of his inspiration and drive ties to his success, to making more money, to being more important. Finney further writes, “They (the independent projects) were the beginning of the long, long climb to where he was determined to be- at the very top. And he knew he was going out there in the darkness, after the yellow sheet fifteen feet beyond his reach” (Finney 8). Tom was determined to be more than capable of being the …show more content…
In the beginning of the story, the White family meet Sergeant- Major Morris, who introduces them to the paw. He explains to them all of the unfortunate outcomes of the monkey’s paw’s previous owners and how dangerous it is. The White’s did not believe in the powers of the paw, but they were curious to find out, and were too curious to let the paw go. Jacob’s writes, “He took the paw, and dangling it between his front finger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off” (Jacobs 2). Although they did not believe, they took the paw for their own. Mr. White’s son, Herbert, was the most curious of them all. Soon after the paw is in their possession, Herbert is expressing extraordinary wishes for the monkey’s paw to fulfill. Jacobs’ writes, “‘ We’re going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor. father , to begin with’” (Jacobs 3). Herbert was wishing for more, however, Mrs. White eventually instills her faith into the paw in hopes that it can revive Herbert back from the dead. Jacob’s writes, “‘The paw!’ she cried wildly. ‘The monkey’s paw!’” She still has doubts in the abilities of the paw, but she still believes that the paw will bring Herbert back to her.
Tom is entirely invested in an independent project at work that pulls him away from what truly matters, his wife and his love for her. He felt as if he was not doing right by his wife, and when she tried to bring his distraction towards work up to him, he would play her off and make excuses for his excessive working habits. Finney writes on page 5, “‘You won’t mind, though, will you, when the money comes rolling in and I’m known as the Boy Wizard of Wholesale Groceries’” (Finney 5). All of his choices are directly correlated with moving up the corporate ladder or making more money. When the yellow sheet of paper flutters out the window, he debates for several seconds of whether or not to chase after the paper. Finney writes on page 8, “it wouldn’t bring him a raise in pay- not immediately… it won’t bring me a promotion either..- not of itself “ (Finney 8). All of his inspiration and drive ties to his success, to making more money, to being more important. Finney further writes, “They (the independent projects) were the beginning of the long, long climb to where he was determined to be- at the very top. And he knew he was going out there in the darkness, after the yellow sheet fifteen feet beyond his reach” (Finney 8). Tom was determined to be more than capable of being the …show more content…
In the beginning of the story, the White family meet Sergeant- Major Morris, who introduces them to the paw. He explains to them all of the unfortunate outcomes of the monkey’s paw’s previous owners and how dangerous it is. The White’s did not believe in the powers of the paw, but they were curious to find out, and were too curious to let the paw go. Jacob’s writes, “He took the paw, and dangling it between his front finger and thumb, suddenly threw it upon the fire. White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off” (Jacobs 2). Although they did not believe, they took the paw for their own. Mr. White’s son, Herbert, was the most curious of them all. Soon after the paw is in their possession, Herbert is expressing extraordinary wishes for the monkey’s paw to fulfill. Jacobs’ writes, “‘ We’re going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emperor. father , to begin with’” (Jacobs 3). Herbert was wishing for more, however, Mrs. White eventually instills her faith into the paw in hopes that it can revive Herbert back from the dead. Jacob’s writes, “‘The paw!’ she cried wildly. ‘The monkey’s paw!’” She still has doubts in the abilities of the paw, but she still believes that the paw will bring Herbert back to her.