In Williams Jacobs 1902 short story "The Monkey's Paw," the White family is granted three wishes from a magical talisman. Sergeant Morris, Mr. Whites friend who throws the monkeys paw into a fire to destroy its sinister sorrows, warns them that tampering with fate will cause grave consequences. Despite the risk, a wish of two hundred pounds come in exchange for the life of the White's only son. Stricken with grief and disbelief, Mr. White watches as his wife pleads to bring back Herbert. Having made the fatal mistake to carry out his second wish, he gains clarity for his final request as the mutilated corpse of their son pounds on the door.
The night is cold and the fire burns brightly as Seargent Morris sips away at his whiskey. Perhaps it was the alcohol that had him speak of the item he possessed from his travels, or the eagerness of Mr. White igniting the conversation they had the night before. Nonetheless he spoke of the magic it contained and the horrifying punishment it brought, right before he tried to destroy it. Deaf on his ears yet quick on his feet, Mr. White jumps to retrieve it from the fire. Shortly after Seargent Morris leaves into the stormy night, the white family speaks of what to wish for and without hesitation, Mr. White calls for their first wish, one that he soon will regret. …show more content…
Soon after, the curse appeared in the form of a coincidence, 200 pounds arrived with the condolences that Herbert died tragically at work. Why must the fear appear on the faces of those that were told to let the curse burn, yet now they sit with tears running down their faces as the shock begins to fade. The wish was granted, the monkeys paw was no longer just a tale a drunker solider spoke over a burning fire and a glass of whiskey. His wish was granted, his son was gone and the curse spoke loudly as the boy was buried to never speak
The night is cold and the fire burns brightly as Seargent Morris sips away at his whiskey. Perhaps it was the alcohol that had him speak of the item he possessed from his travels, or the eagerness of Mr. White igniting the conversation they had the night before. Nonetheless he spoke of the magic it contained and the horrifying punishment it brought, right before he tried to destroy it. Deaf on his ears yet quick on his feet, Mr. White jumps to retrieve it from the fire. Shortly after Seargent Morris leaves into the stormy night, the white family speaks of what to wish for and without hesitation, Mr. White calls for their first wish, one that he soon will regret. …show more content…
Soon after, the curse appeared in the form of a coincidence, 200 pounds arrived with the condolences that Herbert died tragically at work. Why must the fear appear on the faces of those that were told to let the curse burn, yet now they sit with tears running down their faces as the shock begins to fade. The wish was granted, the monkeys paw was no longer just a tale a drunker solider spoke over a burning fire and a glass of whiskey. His wish was granted, his son was gone and the curse spoke loudly as the boy was buried to never speak