The Monkey's Paw

Synopsis

The Monkey's Paw is a short story with horrifying end written by William Wymark Jacobs, an English novelist, well remembered for this horror story, though most of his stories are humorous, notable among them are Deep Waters, Ship's Company, At Sunwich Port and A Master of Craft.

The family of Whites Mr. & Mrs. White and their son Herbert were enjoying a winter around the fire. Their family friend Major Morris, who has served in British India as an army officer visits their home. On a casual talk he tells about his adventures during his service. He shows them a monkey’s paw and tells them that it has the power to grant three wishes of any one. Mr. White is interested to buy that, however Morris tells that people are cursed after their wish is granted. While he was about to throw the paw in the fire, Mr.White snatches it from him.

After Morris left, the family discuss about the wish. Herbert tells his first wish to the paw that he wants 200 Pounds which he can use to own his house. The family waits curiously but nothing happens. Next day Herbert goes to work and do not return. On the evening a person from his company reaches their house and tells them that their son is met with accident in the machinery and died. He says the company is not responsible for the accident; however as compensation company has granted the family a check of 200 Pounds.

The family’s curiosity turned to curse now and Mr. White goes to identify his son’s body and bury it 2 miles away from their house. Now their first wish is realized, but they are cursed. After a short discussion Mrs. White makes a wish to see her son alive. After a while, the door is knocked and she is on her way to open the door. Mr. White recalls his son’s contaminated body during the burial and makes the third wish. The knocking of door is suddenly stopped; they open the door and found no one near the door.

Similar Bookshelves