The Monkey's Paw Video Analysis

There are many versions of W.W. Jacobs’ famous horror short story, “The Monkey’s Paw”; however, it is debatable on which adaptation did a better job at creating suspense. In the video adaptation of” The Monkey’s Paw”, the suspenseful mood of the plot is greatly enhanced through the use of specific details throughout the backstory, provides hints about what is to happen next, and as a result allows the audience to use their imagination.
Throughout the video version of “The Monkey’s Paw”,the specific backstory details of the paw enhances the suspense. In fact,in the video the old fakir is shown at the beginning cursing the paw in front of Sergeant Major Morris. The original text begins with the White family sitting home playing chess.By giving the backstory of the paw at the beginning it creates more of a suspenseful mood because it lets the audience know a little about the paw’s powers and why the characters should be afraid.
Furthermore, the video version allows the audience to use the imagination to create more suspense . In the video, the first wisher was shown asking questions about the powers of the paw and holding it tight as he died leaving it up to the imagination of why he would choose death as a wish. The original text only tells about the first wisher being granted his wishes and the last wish being for death. Overall the video’s use …show more content…
By showing the deep family relationship as the White family is mourning next to Herbert’s grave after the first wish is granted, gives a hint to the audience about what the second wish might be, creating suspense. In the original text, however the author does not describe the events at the grave leaving no clues for the audience. As a result, showing the deep family relationship of the family mourning Herbert’s death at the cemetery develops a suspenseful mood by giving hints of the developing