The Monkey's Paw (Oxford Bookworms) Summary & Key Insights

W.W. Jacobs' "The Monkey's Paw," adapted for Oxford Bookworms by Diane Mowat, tells the chilling tale of the White family's encounter with a mummified monkey's paw said to grant three wishes to its possessor. The story centers around Mr. and Mrs. White, their adult son Herbert, and Sergeant-Major Morris, a friend who brings the cursed artifact into their lives.

Sergeant-Major Morris, having served in India, recounts the paw's sinister power, detailing the terrible consequences that befall those who dare use it. He vehemently advises against it, even attempting to throw it into the fire, highlighting the inherent danger. Despite his warnings, Mr. White retrieves the paw, captivated by the allure of its supposed magic.

Driven by a desire for financial security, Mr. White makes his first wish for £200. Their initial joy is quickly overshadowed by tragedy. Herbert, the family's beloved son, is killed in a work accident at the factory. The compensation received is precisely £200, a disturbing fulfillment of the wish, but one that comes at a horrific price.

Overwhelmed by grief, Mrs. White, driven by a desperate and inconsolable sorrow, insists on making a second wish – to bring Herbert back to life. The story becomes increasingly suspenseful as unsettling noises emanate from outside their home, suggesting Herbert’s return, but in a distorted and monstrous state. The narrative builds a palpable sense of dread, highlighting the limitations of human control over fate and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with the supernatural.

Terrified by the implications of what is happening, Mr. White makes his final wish, abruptly ending the suspenseful sounds. The reader is left to interpret the nature of his third wish, presumably to undo the second. The story concludes with the Whites sitting in stunned silence, left to grapple with the profound loss and the terrible price of their wishes. The ambiguous ending allows the reader to contemplate the potential horror of Herbert's return and the enduring trauma of the Whites.

The overarching themes of the story revolve around fate, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the devastating consequences of interfering with forces beyond human comprehension. The monkey's paw serves as a powerful symbol of temptation and the ultimate futility of trying to control destiny. The story's impact stems from its exploration of grief, the fragility of life, and the terrifying potential of wishes gone wrong. The chilling atmosphere and ambiguous ending make it a lasting example of gothic horror and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desires.