William W. Jacobs displays his existentialist nature through themes of freedom, responsibility, and death. In “The Monkey’s Paw,” Jacobs demonstrates these themes progressively through his characters and their actions after a cursed talisman eradicates all limitations. Arash Farzaneh defines existentialism as the measurement of humankind’s “responsibility when facing a universe devoid of laws.” Fundamentally unbound by religious conviction, humankind is required to take responsibility for their actions accordingly if they are to be truly free (Farzaneh). Jacobs establishes through his character Mr. White that humanity must accept responsibility for their own choices, regardless of the consequences that may follow.
The role of fate in “The Monkey’s Paw” reflects upon the existentialist theme of freedom. Sergeant-Major Morris, a family friend, indicates that an “old fakir” cast a spell on the mummified paw “to show that fate ruled people 's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow” (Jacobs Part I). Though man is free, they tend to bind themselves to their own unique law of values and responsibility, and therefore, cannot be entirely unrestricted. Jacobs uses the paw to represent the unknown - demonstrating its control over human existence. The sense of freedom that the paw exerts is powerful, yet terrifying. Regardless of an individual’s intentions, he or she cannot always be aware of the possibilities available to him or her and the choices that he or she may have to make; therefore, …show more content…
This is another reason why he also favors a strict "either - or" between God 's existence and human freedom: either God exists or man is free and responsible. There is no third possibility and all philosophical efforts to find an intermediate way between divine omniscience and human freedom are simply a waste of time.
The role of fate in “The Monkey’s Paw” reflects upon the existentialist theme of freedom. Sergeant-Major Morris, a family friend, indicates that an “old fakir” cast a spell on the mummified paw “to show that fate ruled people 's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow” (Jacobs Part I). Though man is free, they tend to bind themselves to their own unique law of values and responsibility, and therefore, cannot be entirely unrestricted. Jacobs uses the paw to represent the unknown - demonstrating its control over human existence. The sense of freedom that the paw exerts is powerful, yet terrifying. Regardless of an individual’s intentions, he or she cannot always be aware of the possibilities available to him or her and the choices that he or she may have to make; therefore, …show more content…
This is another reason why he also favors a strict "either - or" between God 's existence and human freedom: either God exists or man is free and responsible. There is no third possibility and all philosophical efforts to find an intermediate way between divine omniscience and human freedom are simply a waste of time.