Show:
Basic Plot Points
Theme, Voice, Tone & Mood
Symbology
Archetypes & Characterization
Comparison Among Adaptations
100
What is the setting of the story at the beginning?
Inside the White's house, around the fireplace
100
How would you define the 'Voice' of a story?
The person or personality the author assumes as s/he writes, to suit purpose
100
What is the main symbol of the story?
The monkey's paw
100
What archetype is Herbert?
The Innocent, Comic Relief, The Victim
100
Name a difference among all 3 versions of the story
Answers vary
200
What is a sign of foreshadowing at the beginning?
The dark setting, Sgt. Morris trying to burn the hand, the monkey face in the fire... among others
200
What are 2 themes of the story?
Greed, Selfishness, Underestimating Warnings, Destiny, Control over Decisions, etc...
200
Give a secondary symbol and say what it means
Example: Liquor - means greed; lack of self-control
200
What archetype is Sgt. Morris?
The Conqueror - a type of Bully or arrogant Agent
200
What is the moral lesson in the Simpsons? Who gave this lesson at the end?
Aliens: said that human kind would create its own self-destruction through thirst for power
300
How is the first wish twisted from its innocent intention?
Mr. White asked for money, but it became the compensation after his son's death
300
How is the tone of the story supported throughout the narrative?
The tone, one of darkness and caution, is supported by foreshadowing, by the setting of night-time and by the tragic twists.
300
What does the monkey's paw represent as a part of humanity?
Severed hand of an animal - slavery, lack of awareness, lack of agency
300
Is Mr. White 3-dimensional? Why or why not?
Yes (not so much, but mostly yes), because he goes through a type of development and change. He also shows deep emotions
300
What is the lesson from the X-Files? How is this different from the rest?
Scully says that the wishes likely become twisted because we're not meant to "circumvent" a process for success. This message is different because it's not as condemning as the rest.
400
What would you consider the climax to be? Why?
The wish for Herbert's revival or the return of Zombie!Herbert while both parents are scrabbling about
400
What is the difference between Tone and Mood? Compare examples based on this story
Tone is what the AUTHOR feels and Mood is what the READER feels. The tone may be one of suspense, while the mood may be one of reservation/doubt.
400
What other symbol could be equivalent to that of the monkey's paw? What else coould signify man's greed and arrogance in the story?
Machinery (that kills Herbert), military status, money, etc.
400
How would you characterize Herbert? (Use 3 examples based on the STEAL Method)
He speaks in a carefree manner, more informal than his parents. He's an optimist and doesn't believe much in supernatural powers. He also tries to lighten the mood on occassion and is affectionate.
400
What is the tone in each of these examples? Mention two characteristics for each.
The tone in the Simpsons is one of humor and exaggerated defeat. The tone of the BBC version is more serious and haunting. The X-Files had dark humor and was also more enlightening.
500
How does the story end? Why would the author end the story this way?
The story ends with an empty street (anticlimactic), perhaps due to the author's intent for tiredness at the end, or a low note of disappointment (after built suspense)
500
What is the Voice of the story, and how is this supported by the Author's background?
The Voice may be one of a Superstitious Traveler - the author (W.W. Jacobs) lived by the docks in England and was always fascinated with supernatural elements.
500
What colors did you notice in the BBC adaptation? Name 3 and describe what they represented
Color Red (during flashback, fire) - evil or danger Color Green (candle turns) - avarice Color White - Return, Redemption
500
Compare Mr. and Mrs. White using several examples based on the STEAL Method. In what 2 ways are they similar? In what 2 ways are they different?
tThey both speak formally and lightly. They both consider materialism for wishes. However, Mr. White wanted the paw from the beginning, while Mrs. White did not. Furthermore, they react differently during the second wish.
500
What are 2 signs of foreshadowing in each of the adaptations?
Simpsons: lightning and vendor's warning BBC: storm and face in fire X-Files: worry over clothes, coldness of corpse, fishtank