Monkeypaw

The Monkey's Paw is a famous short story by W.W. Jacobs, first published in 1902. It tells the tale of the White family, who receive a magical, mummified monkey's paw that grants three wishes. However, the paw is cursed, and each wish comes with unforeseen and tragic consequences.

The story begins with Mr. White, his wife, and their son Herbert living a quiet life. A friend, Sergeant-Major Morris, visits and introduces them to the monkey's paw, explaining its dark history and warning them of its power. Despite the warnings, Mr. White wishes for two hundred pounds. The next day, a representative from Herbert's workplace arrives to inform them that Herbert has died in an accident and the company is offering compensation of exactly two hundred pounds.

Distraught, Mrs. White demands her husband use the paw to wish Herbert back to life. Mr. White reluctantly makes the second wish. Later that night, there is a persistent knocking at the door. Mrs. White, believing it to be Herbert, rushes to open it. Mr. White, terrified of what might have returned, uses the monkey's paw for his third and final wish, presumably to make whatever is at the door disappear. The story ends with the knocking ceasing, leaving the true nature of the third wish and its outcome ambiguous. The Monkey's Paw is a classic example of a cautionary tale, exploring themes of fate, desire, and the dangers of interfering with the natural order.

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