Roots
which root means honor
cele
At the beginning of the story, Sergeant-Major Morris warns the Whites that the monkey’s paw has caused trouble for others who used it. What does this warning foreshadow?
That the family will use the paw and regret their wishes.
When the Stranger says, “He is not in any pain,” why does Mrs. White first respond with relief?
She doesn’t yet understand that Herbert has died.
time, place, background for the story
setting
which affix means whole
holo
what is the definition of irony
when something happens that’s the opposite of what you’d expect, or when there's an unfortunate TWIST
what is symbolism
something in a story stands for or represents something else — usually a big idea or feeling.
which root means book
bibl or biblio
After making the first wish, Mr. White says he feels the paw “move like a snake” in his hand. What does this detail foreshadow?
That the wish has awakened an evil force that will bring harm.
What clues in the Stranger’s words and behavior show that the news is tragic?
He avoids answering directly and looks away.
what is it called when characters talk to each other
dialogue
which affix means grand
magn, mag, meg, or maj
HOW is the family's wish for $200 ironic?
They GET the $200 but the WAY they get it is NOT what they would want or expect (through the death of their son).
How is the paw a symbol of desire and greed?
symbol of a cursed power that can grant wishes, but doing so comes at a terrible price, often tied to human greed and desire for more than what one has.
which root means strength
fort
When Herbert jokes that he might never see the money if their wish for 200 pounds “comes true,” what does his comment foreshadow?
That he will die, and the money will be paid as compensation.
When the narrator says, “She broke off as the tragic meaning of the words came to her,” what has Mrs. White realized?
Herbert has been killed in the accident.
what is the strategy we use to summarize literature
somebody
wanted
but
so
then
finally
which affix means small
micro
HOW is the parents wish for their son to be alive again ironic?
It's a wish born out of grief and a desire to correct the first wish's consequence, but it doesn't turn out the way they wanted, either.
How could the paw symbolize interfering with fate?
It represents the futility of trying to change one's destiny. The wishes granted by the paw are fulfilled in sinister ways that have devastating and unintended consequences.
which root means start
init
The description of the monkey’s paw as “a dried, shriveled hand” creates a creepy, unnatural image. How does this description foreshadow later events?
It hints that something dead will return to life.
Why does the author have Mrs. White say, “Thank God for that,” right before she realizes the truth?
To create irony between what she thinks and what is true.
what is the problem a character faces called
conflict
which affix means bad or difficult
dys
How is the dialogue from Herbert, "We are all going to be rich, famous, and happy," ironic?
It is is the opposite of the sad and tragic outcome that follows.
How is the cold wind described at the beginning of the story a symbol?
The cold wind that sweeps through the house is a symbol that foreshadows misfortune, signals danger, and marks the supernatural events unfolding.
which root means house
ec or eco
Why does the author include the line, “It had a spell put on it by an old fakir, to show that fate ruled people’s lives”?
To foreshadow that the Whites’ attempts to control fate will end in tragedy.
What makes the phrase “He is not in any pain” especially tragic once the reader understands it fully?
It shows that Herbert died and can no longer feel anything.
What are the little story lines INside the larger story called?
subplots
which affix means away
-apo, -ap or -aph
HOW is Mrs. White's comment, "How could £200 hurt you?" ironic?
It is ironic because of HOW the money is obtained. $200 hurts badly when it's insurance money you earn due to the death of a loved one.
How is the number three a symbol in the story?
The recurrence of the number three (three wishes, three owners of the paw) can symbolize the "magic number" associated with supernatural events.