Copy of RL.KID. 3: The Monkey's Paw (9/2/2025)

Excerpt from The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs:
"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." His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat.

"Well, why don't you have three, sir?" said Herbert White cleverly.

The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. 

"I have," he said quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.

"And did you really have the three wishes granted?" asked Mrs. White.

"I did," said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.

"And has anybody else wished?" persisted the old lady.

"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. That's how I got the paw."

His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group.

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How does the soldier's reaction to Herbert's question develop his character?

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Which detail best demonstrates the theme of fate versus free will?

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How does the interaction between the characters create tension?

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What is the significance of the final line "His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group"?

1

How does the soldier's reaction to Herbert's question develop his character?

Which detail best demonstrates the theme of fate versus free will?

How does the interaction between the characters create tension?

What is the significance of the final line "His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group"?

How does the dialogue between characters advance the plot?