The Monkey's Paw: A classic supernatural horror

Introduction

"The Monkey’s Paw” is a hair-raising supernatural horror that has gripped readers since its publication in 1902. As an educator, this story has taught my students about the craft of building suspense and the art of using dialogue to bring a tale to life. W.W. Jacobs is a master at capturing readers’ attention, and for this reason, I highly recommend “The Monkey’s Paw” for those seeking to deepen their understanding of story craft or for those simply looking enjoy a riveting classic.

Preview

His three listeners leaned forward eagerly. The visitor absent-mindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. His host filled it for him again.

"To look at," said the Sergeant-Major, fumbling in his pocket, "it's just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy."

He took something out of his pocket and proffered it. Mrs. White drew back with a grimace, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.

"And what is there special about it?" inquired Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.

"It had a spell put on it by an old Fakir," said the Sergeant-Major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it."

His manners were so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter had jarred somewhat.

"Well, why don't you have three, sir?" said Herbert White cleverly.

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