Setting and character
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
After you have read the opening of The Monkey’s Paw answer the following questions in
full sentences.
1. What is the atmosphere like in the White family’s home at the beginning of the story?
Give a quotation to prove what you say.
2. (a) Write a list of everything we learn about Sergeant-Major Morris.
(b) How did you feel when he entered the story?
3. The writer gives the reader hints that the monkey’s paw is dangerous. Find two
different examples of this and explain how they hint at danger.
4. How does the setting outside contrast with the setting inside the house?
5. Why do you think the characters feel unsettled at the end of Part 1?
6. A holy man put a spell on the monkey’s paw because, ‘He wanted to show that fate
ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.’
Explain what this means.
7. What do you think will happen next in the story?
8. Explain how the opening of The Monkey’s Paw fits with each of the features of the
Gothic genre:

supernatural

isolated setting

darkness

old/abandoned buildings

treacherous weather conditions (bad weather)

frightening or mysterious characters.
9. Explain whether you think the opening of the story is scary and give reasons for your
opinion.
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