Name_________________________________________________ Date____________________
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs
Literary Analysis: Plot
A plot is the sequence of related events that make up a story. A typical plot concerns a
conflict—a struggle between opposing forces—and follows a pattern.
• In the exposition, the writer gives background information about the characters and the
situation.
• During the rising action, events occur that intensify the conflict.
• At the climax, the tension reaches its highest point because the outcome of the conflict is
about to be revealed.
• The tension lessens during the falling action.
• The resolution is the final outcome of the conflict. The resolution often involves a change
or an insight.
Writers use various techniques to add tension to a story. One technique is foreshadowing—
giving details that hint at coming events. For instance, when a character leaves a door unlocked in
her haste, it may foreshadow a later event—a pet getting loose, for example.
In this passage, the character Morris is speaking about a monkey’s paw with a spell on it.
If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens.
Here, the author uses foreshadowing to hint at a future event relating to the monkey’s paw.
DIRECTIONS: Identify each passage below as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, or
resolution. Then, tell what each passage foreshadows.
1. “Hark at the wind,” said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late,
was amiably desirous of preventing his son from seeing it.
Part of plot: _____________________ Foreshadows: ________________________________________
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2. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so
to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes
from it.
Part of plot: _____________________ Foreshadows: ________________________________________
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3. “The first man had his three wishes, yes,” was the reply; “I don’t know what the first two
were, but the third was for death.”
Part of plot: _____________________ Foreshadows: ________________________________________
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4. Herbert sat alone in the darkness, gazing at the dying fire, and seeing faces in it. The last
face was so horrible and so simian that he gazed at it in amazement.
Part of plot: _____________________ Foreshadows: ________________________________________
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Grade 10, Unit 1
1
ANSWERS
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs
Literary Analysis: Plot
Sample Answers
1. exposition; foreshadows another fatal mistake—the first wish—that Mr. White will see after it
is too late
2. rising action; foreshadows the Whites’ interference with fate and their subsequent sorrow
3. rising action; foreshadows Mr. White’s own third wish—for his dead son to return to the grave
4. rising action; foreshadows Herbert’s death
Grade 10, Unit 1
2