Monkey's Paw
What is the first wish the Whites make with the monkey’s paw?
They wish for 200 pounds.
Who are the main characters in “The Monkey’s Paw”?
Mr. White, Mrs. White, and their son Herbert.
What is an *appositive phrase*?
A phrase that renames or adds information about a noun. Example: “Mr. White, a curious man, picked up the paw.”
What does the narrator insist throughout the story?
That he is not insane.
What is an indefinite pronoun?
A pronoun that refers to someone or something not specific.
What lesson does the story teach about being careful what you wish for?
That wishes can have bad or unexpected consequences.
What does Mr. White’s wish for money reveal about his character?
He is curious and slightly greedy, wanting an easier life without hard work.
Create an *appositive phrase* for this sentence: “Herbert laughed about the paw.
“Herbert, a cheerful young man, laughed about the paw.”
What about the old man is the narrator obsessed with?
The old man's eye
Give one example of a singular indefinite pronoun.
Someone, Anything, Nobody, etc.
How does the writer create suspense in the story? (Give one example.)
By describing the knocking at the door late at night and not showing who it is.
How does Mrs. White show indirect characterization through her actions?
Her desperation to see her son again shows she is emotional and loving.
What is a *verbal participle*?
A verb form ending in -ing or -ed that acts like an adjective. Example: “The *beating* heart grew louder.”
How does the sound of the beating heart affect the narrator? (at the end)
It makes him panic and confess to the crime.
Give one example of a plural indefinite pronoun.
“Many” or “few.”
What does Sergeant-Major Morris warn the family about the paw?
He says the paw brings trouble and sorrow to those who use it.
Give one example of *direct characterization* from “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
The narrator says, “I am not mad,” which directly shows his self-view.
Identify the *participial phrase* in this sentence: “Hearing the knock, Mrs. White ran to the door.”
“Hearing the knock.”
What is the main theme or message of the story?
Guilt can drive a person to madness.
Choose the correct verb: “Everyone ___ going to the party.” (is / are)
“Everyone is going to the party.”
How does the ending show irony or surprise?
The wish for their son’s return is undone just before they see what came back.
How does Poe use the narrator’s thoughts for *indirect characterization*?
His obsessive thoughts show his guilt and madness.
What is a *verbal gerund*, and how does it differ from a participle?
A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun. Example: “*Wishing* can be dangerous.”
How does Poe use imagery and sound to build tension?
He describes the heartbeat, darkness, and silence to make readers feel nervous.
Fill in the blank: “If ______ needs help, tell me.” Why is that pronoun indefinite?
“If anyone needs help, tell me.”