The Monkey's Paw Quiz Questions

In The Monkey's Paw, what does the interaction between Mr. White and his son Herbert during the chess game reveal about Mr. White's personality?

• A) He is a cautious and strategic person.

• B) He tends to make hasty and reckless decisions.

• C) He is highly competitive and dislikes losing.

• D) He is indifferent to the outcome of the game.

How does the setting at the beginning of The Monkey's Paw contribute to the story's mood?

• The warm and cheerful atmosphere of the house contrasts with the ominous weather outside, creating a sense of foreboding.

• The rainy and stormy weather foreshadows a joyful and festive occasion in the story.

• The story begins in a tropical and sunny environment, which highlights the positive mood of the characters.

• The house's location is irrelevant to the story’s events and mood.

Which event most significantly alters the direction of the plot in The Monkey's Paw?

• The arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris.

• The family gathering by the fire.

• Mr. White making the first wish.

• Herbert’s joke about becoming an emperor.

What is the function of the scene where Mr. White retrieves the monkey's paw from the fire despite the sergeant-major's warning?

• It establishes Mr. White's skepticism about the paw’s magical powers.

• It demonstrates Mr. White's unwillingness to heed advice, foreshadowing tragic consequences.

• It shows Mr. White’s curiosity and belief in fate.

• It provides comic relief in an otherwise serious moment.

Who narrates The Monkey's Paw, and what effect does this choice of narrator have on the story?

• The story is narrated in third-person omniscient, which allows the reader to understand the thoughts and motivations of multiple characters.

• The story is narrated by Mr. White, which personalizes the events and makes the reader empathize with him.

• The story is narrated by Herbert, giving the reader insight into his eventual fate.

• The story is narrated by an unknown first-person speaker, creating a sense of mystery.

How does the third-person omniscient point of view enhance the suspense in The Monkey's Paw?

• It provides detailed insights into the thoughts of all characters, making the reader question the reliability of their perceptions.

• It allows the reader to see events unfold from different perspectives, intensifying the emotional impact of key moments.

• It limits the reader's knowledge to one character’s viewpoint, keeping crucial information hidden until the end.

• It creates a detached tone that minimizes the reader's emotional engagement with the characters.

How does W.W. Jacobs use the theme of fate in The Monkey's Paw to challenge the characters' desires and beliefs? Support your answer with specific evidence from the text.