The Monkey's Paw Theme

The story elements of character, setting, and plot all contribute to the theme of the monkey's paw in many different ways. For example, character adds dimension and people to revolve the plot around. Setting provides a place for the characters to roam, complete a quest, or participate in dialogues. Plot provides something for a character to do, a conflict to resolve, or a problem to face. Without any of the three story elements, a story cannot be produced. For example, a character and setting may exist, but without a plot nothing will happen. Overall, the theme in the book about not tampering with fate is highly contributed to through the story's elements.

As mentioned previously, the story element of character highly contributes to the theme of the story. The way Mr. White acts at the beginning versus the end of the story really shows how character plays a part in shaping the theme. "He shook his head. 'Never mind, though; there's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the same.'" This quote demonstrates his …show more content…
Here is the plot of "The Monkey's Paw:" The White family buys an old monkey's paw which allegedly grants 3 wishes. The family's first wish was for money. Unfortunately, the money came to the Whites after their son died in a machine accident. The Whites spent days grieving for their son, but then Mrs. White had a newfound idea: "'We had the first wish granted,' said the old woman, feverishly; 'why not the second?'" In her fervor, she doesn't realize that wishing for her son to come back means that he'll literally come back: from the grave as the undead. Mr. White realizes this and quickly wishes his son dead again so his wife won't be scared by the zombie-Herbert. This dark change in the plot from about halfway through the selection not only drives the story but enhances the theme even more. Overall, the element of plot (especially the conflict at the end of the story) completes the