Vocabulary
Mr. White uses this vocabulary word that describes water rushing violently about th road
What is a torrent?
This character warns the Whites multiple times and even throws the paw into the fire.
Who is Sergeant-Major Morris?
Morris says he “won’t sell it” and warns the Whites not to blame him, teaching this life lesson.
What is “Don’t ignore the advice of those with experience”?
Mr. White says the “road is a torrent,” using this literary device to describe the weather.
What is a metaphor?
The fakir creates the paw to teach that “fate ruled people’s lives” and interfering brings sorrow — pointing to this major theme.
What is the danger of interfering with fate?
This word describes the way Morris drops the empty drinking glass onto the table — it makes a small sound against his teeth.
What is “tapped”?
This visiting character is described as “burly,” “rubicund of visage,” and experienced in “wars and plagues.”
Who is Sergeant-Major Morris?
The Whites laugh at danger, showing this lesson about taking things seriously.
What is “Take warnings seriously, even when they seem silly”?
The paw “twisted like a snake” in Mr. White’s hand, an example of this device.
What is a simile?
The Whites laugh at warnings and treat the paw like a joke, revealing this theme about ignoring danger.
What is the theme of human arrogance or disbelief in warnings?
This word describes the way Morris drops the empty drinking glass onto the table — it makes a small sound against his teeth.
What is “tapped”?
This character insists the paw “twisted like a snake” in his hands.
Who is Mr. White?
Herbert’s lighthearted jokes about becoming rich teach this life lesson about greed.
What is “Greed blinds people to consequences”?
Herbert talks about money dropping “from the sky,” an exaggerated statement showing this device.
What is hyperbole?
The first owner’s third wish was for death, reinforcing this cautionary theme.
What is “be careful what you wish for”?
This word describes how the sergeant-major begins talking more freely after drinking — his eyes become brighter and he speaks more openly.
What is “contentedly”?
This character often jokes and makes light of serious topics, such as becoming rich or seeing monsters in the wardrobe.
Who is Herbert White?
Mr. White says he already has everything he wants, showing this lesson about contentment.
What is “Be satisfied with what you have”?
Herbert sees “faces in the fire,” representing this device where natural elements take on meaning.
What is imagery?
The atmosphere shifts from cozy to eerie after the wish, illustrating a theme about unexpected consequences.
What is the theme of consequences following desire?
This word describes Morris when he enters — his face is red and full, showing he is healthy and strong.
What is “rubicund”?
This character becomes visibly nervous when knocking on the Whites’ door, suggesting he has difficult news to share.
Who is the well-dressed stranger (from Maw & Meggins)?
Mrs. White calls the paw “nonsense,” showing this lesson about dismissing things too quickly.
What is “Don’t dismiss something without understanding it”?
The wind is described in a way that it “howls” outside, giving nature human-like action.
What is personification?
Herbert jokingly predicts something “horrible” watching from the wardrobe, hinting at this theme.
What is the theme of foreshadowing danger?