The Monkeys Paw by WWJacobs creates a captivating atmosphere of intrigue and tension. The narrative revolves around the enigmatic Monkeys Paw, and it is structured into three distinct sections: the initial wish, the subsequent wish, and the ultimate wish. The story is told in third person perspective, offering an objective and comprehensive depiction of the unfolding events. By strategically employing the term “nothing,” WWJacobs successfully arouses readers’ inquisitiveness and captivation from start to finish.
The description carries the weight of mystery and suspense, creating the atmosphere. Initially, it appears to be a cozy family home with a bright fire. However, the location is plagued by coldness, wetness, and flooded roads. WWJacobs cleverly ties these weather comments to the story. Initially, everything is idyllic until the introduction of the monkeys paw. WWJacobs attentively examines the emotions of the story and parallels them with the weather outside.
In The Monkeys Paw, the game of chess serves as the central symbol. The phrase ‘checkmate’ signifies the impossibility of winning and highlights the game’s theme of drastic transformations, as indicated by the story’s conclusion. Furthermore, ‘checkmate’ alludes to the concept of fate, foreshadowing future events in WW Jacobs’ narrative. Ultimately, checkmate and bold maneuvers precipitate profound and unforeseen changes.
There is an additional symbol, the 200, that they did not expect in its exact form as money. The cost of this unexpected form of money was much more severe – the life of their son. The death of Herbert, the son, is an ironic occurrence. In the story, Herbert had previously stated that he would never see the money and this statement serves as another indication of future events. True to his words, Herbert dies without ever laying eyes on the money, which ultimately serves as compensation for his death.
The house, which is comfortable, is also isolated and vulnerable. WWJacobs uses the house and atmosphere in Mr White’s comments to once again foreshadow future events. Mr White spoke with “sudden and unlooked-for violence.”
Suspense in The Monkeys Paw by WW Jacobs was generated through various techniques. One of these was the introduction of Sergeant-Major Morris, who brought along the monkeys paw. Despite his reluctance, he ultimately gave it to Mr White. The moment Mr White inquired about the story behind it and Sergeant Major Morris responded with ‘Leastways, nothing worth hearing’, the reader’s curiosity was piqued, as they knew it would be an intriguing story. Thus, Jacobs skillfully crafted the narrative to captivate readers, successfully keeping them engaged.
At the end of the story, suspense was created by the anticipation of Herbert’s return from the dead. The use of language by Mr. White, who referred to Herbert as “it” instead of by his name, increased the reader’s worry and uncertainty about what was about to happen. This skillful writing technique employed by WW Jacobs prompted active engagement and contemplation while reading.
In general, I am of the opinion that WWJacobs effectively foreshadowed the potential consequences of the monkey’s paw. This was accomplished through the use of suspense, primarily attributed to the character of Sergeant Major Morris. By the conclusion, there is another instance of suspense as there is a possibility of Herbert’s return. WWJacobs displays considerable storytelling skills, resulting in my thorough enjoyment of this particular narrative.
