Welcome Readers,
This blog will take you into the intriguing and suspenseful world of W.W. Jacobs, an English author renowned for his captivating short stories and clever use of humor. Our focus is on one of his most famous works, a play that has sent shivers down the spines of readers for generations - "The Monkey's Paw."
William Wymark Jacobs (1863 – 1943), commonly known as W.W. Jacobs, was an English author and humorist, best remembered for his short stories and humorous tales. He was born in Wapping, London, and came from a working-class background. Jacobs' writing often reflects his keen observation of everyday life, as well as his ability to inject humor and a touch of macabre into his stories.
In addition to "The Monkey's Paw," some of Jacobs' other notable works include "The Lady of the Barge" (1902), "Many Cargoes" (1896), and "Sea Urchins" (1898). His stories often feature ordinary people facing extraordinary or humorous situations, making his work relatable and entertaining for readers of all backgrounds.
W.W. Jacobs' ability to blend humor, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural has secured his place in English literature, and his stories continue to be appreciated by readers and adapted into various forms of media.
Introduction to 'The Monkey's Paw'
"Jacobs is best remembered, however, for a short story 'The Monkey’s Paw' that turned into a one-act play in 1904 and became one of the most famous curtain-raisers in the London theatre of its time.
The Monkey’s Paw is a piece with a strong sense of the supernatural, in which taking possession of a supposed ‘lucky charm’ brings grief and tragedy to a London household. It still has the capacity to make audiences uneasy today and has been reworked by several later adaptors."
(Dooley)
The Monkey's Paw is a powerful horror story. It was adapted for the stage by L. N. Parker with whom he wrote some plays. In the dramatization of the story, the 'cumulative suspense and terror' of the original have been intensified.
Plot Summary:
The story of the play revolves around the White family—Mr. White, his wife Mrs. White, and their adult son Herbert. The family lives a modest life, and one evening, an old friend, Sergeant-Major Morris, visits them. He tells them about a mystical item he acquired during his time in India: a monkey's paw that has the power to grant three wishes to its possessor. However, Morris also warns the family that the paw's wishes come at a great cost and that it can bring unintended and dire consequences.
Despite Morris's warnings, the Whites express interest in the paw and eventually persuade him to give it to them. They decide to test its power by making a wish for £200, hoping to pay off their home mortgage. Shortly after making the wish, news arrives that their son Herbert has been killed in an industrial accident at work, and the Whites are given a compensation of £200. The family is devastated by their loss, but they initially attribute it to mere coincidence.
Mrs. White, consumed by grief, insists on using the paw to wish her son back to life. Despite Mr. White's protests and Morris's warnings, she makes her husband wish. The night grows tense as they wait. And as the story reaches its climax, they hear knocking at the door. Mrs. White believes it to be Herbert and tries to open the door, but Mr. White, fearing what his son might look like after being dead for over a week, makes his third and final wish just as Mrs. White opens the door. The street outside is empty and there is no sign of Herbert.
The story ends with Mr. and Mrs. White left childless and grieving. The ending also shows the depth of Mrs. White’s love and grief for her son, as well as Mr. White’s love for his wife and the strength of his character.
Themes
1.1. Fate, Human Intervention, and Uncertainty:
The central theme of “The Monkey’s Paw” concerns the role of fate in human life and interference with fate. Sergeant-Major Morris explains the reason for the monkey’s paw’s conception:
“an old fakir . . . [who] wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow”.
The Whites' curiosity and longing for material gain lead them to make wishes on the monkey's paw, despite Morris's warnings. Mr. White's wish for two hundred pounds echoes this sentiment:
Mr. White: I will! (Holds up the paw, as if half ashamed.)
I wish for two hundred pounds.
His desire for wealth ultimately sets the story in motion, initiating a chain of events that unfolds tragically.
2. Supernatural vs. Natural:
The play dwells in the realm of the supernatural, introducing the monkey's paw as an object capable of granting wishes. Sergeant-Major Morris's stories about the paw's origins imbue it with an aura of mystery and danger:
Sergeant (pensively, holding the paw in the palm of his hand). Ah! By an old fakir. He was a very holy man. He’d sat all doubled up in one spot, goin’ on for fifteen year; thinkin’ o’ things. And he wanted to show that fate ruled people. That everything was cut and dried from the beginning, as you might say. That there warn’t no gettin’ away from it. And that, if you tried to, you caught it hot. (Pauses solemnly) So he put a spell on this bit of a paw. It might ha’ been anything else, but he took the first thing that came handy. Ah! He put a spell on it, and made it so that three people (looking at them and with deep meaning) could each have three wishes.
The contrast between the supernatural and the natural is a recurring theme. The paw itself is a supernatural object, purportedly possessing the power to grant wishes. The story plays with ambiguity, blurring the line between the supernatural and natural explanations for events. Mr. White's belief in the paw's power is juxtaposed with the possibility of coincidences and natural occurrences. This tension between the mystical and the rational contributes to the story's eerie atmosphere. The supernatural element heightens the tension and unease as the consequences of the wishes unfold.
3. The Consequences of Greed:
Greed and the insatiable desire for more are prominent themes in the story. Mr. White's initial wish for £200 stems from his financial concerns, which quickly transform into tragedy. His greed leads to the death of his son, Herbert. Mr. White's wife, driven by grief, uses the paw to wish for her son's return. This desire for more time with a loved one ultimately leads to an eerie and unnatural reanimation of Herbert's corpse. The paw becomes a cautionary symbol, warning against the dangers of unchecked desires.
Sergeant: That’s what I say, marm. But if I warn’t to tell him, he might go wishing something he didn’t mean to. You hold it in your right hand, and wish aloud. But I warn you! I warn you!
4. Hubris and Overconfidence:
Hubris refers to excessive pride and arrogance, often leading individuals to believe they can defy or control forces beyond their control. In "The Monkey's Paw," the theme of hubris is exemplified through Mr. White's actions and attitudes as he interacts with the supernatural element of the monkey's paw.
One of the key moments that highlight hubris is when Mr. White dismisses Sergeant-Major Morris's warnings about the paw's potential consequences. Morris shares tales of its dangers, cautioning against using its powers. Despite this, Mr. White, fueled by a combination of curiosity and overconfidence, insists on making wishes. Herbert overconfidently jokes:
Herbert (facing away): Well? (Looking round the room) I don’t see the money; and I bet I never shall.
revealing his disbelief in the paw's mystical powers. This moment underscores his arrogance in underestimating the potential impact of the paw on his life.
5. Regret and Remorse:
The theme of regret and remorse is intricately woven into the narrative, compelling readers to confront the emotional aftermath of the characters' actions. The regretful undertone begins to emerge after Herbert's death, which is a direct result of Mr. White's initial wish for £200.
Furthermore, the depiction of Mrs. White's emotional turmoil amplifies the theme of regret. Her initial desperation to use the paw to resurrect her son illustrates the depths of her grief and longing. However, as the story unfolds and the sinister implications of her wish become apparent, her fervent desire transforms into dread and desperation.
The theme of regret also serves to emphasize the sense of powerlessness that characters experience in the face of fate.
Characters
1. MR. WHITE
Introduction
Mr. White, a central character in "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, is a middle-aged man who becomes entangled in the story's supernatural events. He is a husband to Mrs. White and a father to their son Herbert. Mr. White's character undergoes significant development as the narrative unfolds, transitioning from curiosity to regret and a deep sense of powerlessness.
Appearance:
Mr. White is described as a middle-aged man with a practical and unassuming appearance. He appears to be a regular, working-class individual, which contributes to the play's relatability and the family's ordinary life.
Personality Traits:
Initially, Mr. White exhibits curiosity and a degree of optimism. He's intrigued by the idea of the monkey's paw's magical powers and its potential to grant wishes. However, his curiosity is tempered by a sense of skepticism, as he initially dismisses the paw's potential to bring genuine change.
As the play progresses, Mr. White's personality shifts in response to the tragic events triggered by his wishes. He transforms from a hopeful individual seeking a modest financial gain into a remorseful and helpless man. His experiences lead him to question the wisdom of interfering with fate and instill a sense of powerlessness in the face of uncontrollable forces.
Character Arc:
Mr. White's character arc can be summarized in three phases:
Curiosity and Hope:
At the beginning of the story, Mr. White's curiosity is piqued by the monkey's paw. He sees the possibility of improving his family's financial situation and expresses interest in making a wish. His initial wish for money highlights his hope for a better life.
Regret and Remorse:
The tragic consequence of his first wish, Herbert's death, shatters Mr. White's optimism. He experiences intense guilt and remorse for his actions. His subsequent wish to bring Herbert back to life underscores his deep desire to undo the damage caused by his initial wish.
Powerlessness and Desperation:
As the narrative unfolds, Mr. White's character becomes marked by a sense of powerlessness. His final wish to undo the previous one underscores his desperation to regain control over the unfolding events. The story's ending, with his desperate cry to undo his final wish, encapsulates his realization that fate is beyond his influence.
Conclusion:
Mr. White's character serves as a vehicle for exploring themes such as the consequences of greed, the limits of human control over destiny, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies decisions with far-reaching implications. His journey from curiosity to regret and powerlessness invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human desires and the unpredictable outcomes of our actions.
2. MRS. WHITE
Introduction
Mrs. White, a central character in W.W. Jacobs' "The Monkey's Paw," is a devoted wife and mother who experiences a range of emotions as the story's events unfold. Her character is pivotal in highlighting the themes of grief, desperation, and the consequences of tampering with fate.
Appearance:
Mrs. White is portrayed as a middle-aged woman who embodies the nurturing and caring qualities associated with motherhood. Her appearance is likely unremarkable, allowing her to represent the typical roles and emotions of a wife and mother in an ordinary household.
Personality Traits:
Mrs. White is characterized by her maternal instincts, evident through her deep emotional attachment to her family. Her initial despair over Herbert's death highlights her loving and protective nature. She is portrayed as a woman who deeply values her family's well-being and is willing to make unconventional choices to alleviate their suffering.
Character Arc:
Mrs. White's character arc is marked by her emotional journey in response to her son's death and the consequences of using the monkey's paw:
Grief and Longing:
Mrs. White is devastated by the news of her son's death. Her initial reaction is a blend of grief and longing. She becomes desperate to use the monkey's paw to bring Herbert back, reflecting her intense desire to reunite with her lost child.
Desperation and Fear:
As the story progresses, Mrs. White's desperation grows, and she becomes determined to use the paw despite her husband's reservations. Her fervent desire to resurrect Herbert highlights her desperation to reverse the tragedy.
Her emotional turmoil:
Mrs. White's emotional self overpowers her rational self. She becomes ready to receive Herbert in whatever condition. She, along with her husband, experiences the weight of the choices they've made. Her emotional turmoil makes her one of the most helpless characters.
Conclusion:
Mrs. White's character serves as a vehicle for exploring the themes of maternal love, the depths of grief, and the complexities of human emotion. Her journey underscores the idea that even the most well-intentioned actions can lead to unintended and dire consequences.
3. HERBERT
Introduction
Herbert, a significant character in "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. White. Although he plays a limited role due to his early demise, his presence and subsequent absence drive the story's events and themes.
Appearance:
While the story doesn't provide a detailed physical description of Herbert, he can be inferred to be a young adult, likely in his early twenties. His appearance is less emphasized compared to his role in the narrative.
Personality Traits:
Herbert is portrayed as a young man with a sense of humor and playfulness. His good-natured personality is evident in his interactions with his family, particularly his father. He engages in lighthearted banter with his father and shows affection toward his family members.
Role in the Story:
Catalyst for Wishes:
Herbert's role in the story is pivotal as his accidental death at work becomes the catalyst for his father's wish for £200. The compensation received by the Whites after his death is equal to the amount they wished for, setting off the chain of events.
Symbol of Loss:
Herbert's death serves as a symbol of the tragic consequences that result from tampering with fate. While his absence is felt keenly by his family, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the unforeseen outcomes of pursuing one's desires recklessly.
Moral Implications:
Herbert's death underscores the moral dilemmas of the story. His loss prompts his parents' desire to bring him back, revealing the depth of their love and their willingness to go to extreme lengths to undo their mistakes.
Conclusion
Herbert's character, despite having limited on-page presence, serves as a pivotal element in "The Monkey's Paw." He symbolizes the potential consequences of unchecked desires and acts as a catalyst for the story's exploration of themes such as fate, regret, and the moral complexities of human choices.
Here is the short film adaptation of 'The Monkey's Paw'
References:
Dolley, Colin, and Rex Walford. The One-Act Play Companion: A Guide to Plays, Playwrights and Performance. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015.
Jacobs, William Wymark, and Gary Hoppenstand. The Monkey's Paw and Other Tales. Chicago Review Press, 2005.
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