The Monkey's Paw Selection Quiz

Which of the following is NOT an element of a short story?

• is a work of fiction

• follows a rhyme scheme

• contains a plot, characters, setting, and theme

• is a popular format for horror stories

________________ occurs when a writer provides hints that suggest future events in a story.

• foreshadowing

• flashback

• imagery

• dialogue

__________ is the message about life or human nature that writers share with readers.

• foreshadowing

• dialogue

• theme

• plot

"He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow."

This is an example of_________________.

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• explicit theme

• implicit theme

Which of the following is NOT evidence that the monkey's paw would cause the White Family harm?

• "I did have some idea of selling it, but I don't think I will. It has caused enough mischief already."

• "Better let it burn," said the soldier solemnly.

• "Hold it up in your right hand and wish aloud," said the sergeant-major, "but I warn you of the consequences."

• Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket, and then all three burst into laughter as the sergeant-major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm.

Which of the following is an example of foreshadowing in dialogue?

• "Well, I don't see the money," said his son, as he picked it up and placed it on the table, "and I bet I never shall."

• He shook his head. "Never mind, though; there's no harm done, but it gave me a shock all the same."

• A silence unusual and depressing settled upon all three, which lasted until the old couple rose to retire for the night.

• "I expect you'll find the cash tied up in a big bag in the middle of your bed," said Herbert, as he bade them goodnight, "and something horrible squatting up on top of the wardrobe watching you as you pocket your ill-gotten gains."

Read the following sentence from paragraph 71 of the story.

"All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman’s knock, when she found that the post brought a tailor’s bill."

The author includes this sentence most likely to —

• show that Mrs. White is diligent and sensible about her life

• reveal that Mrs. White has little trust in her postman’s ability

• reveal that Mrs. White believes in the monkey’s paw more than she lets on

• show that Mrs. White is nervous and apprehensive about the monkey’s paw

What do paragraphs 101–121 (101.The sound of her sobs died away on his ears.-120."Wish!" she cried, in a strong voice. 121."It is foolish and wicked," he faltered.) reveal about Mr. White?

• He knows that the monkey’s paw is dangerous.

• He doesn’t want to touch the disgusting monkey’s paw.

• He doesn’t want to spend one of his wishes trying to bring their son back.

• He knows that everything will be okay if he can just make one more wish.

What theme from traditional stories is central to “The Monkey’s Paw”?

• The danger of the unknown as well as the known

• The danger of temptation and greed

• The challenge of knowing good from evil

• The challenge of facing the truth as well as mystery

Mr. White first shows fear of the paw because it ____________

• makes his friend anxious

• scratches the mantelpiece

• moves in his hand

• has had a spell put on it