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The Monkey's Paw

"The Monkey's Paw" is a horror short story by W.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"The Monkey's Paw" is a horror short story by W. W. Jacobs, first published in 1902. It follows the White family after they obtain a mummified monkey's paw said to grant three wishes, with disastrous consequences. The story is widely read as a warning about fate, greed, and the danger of trying to control outcomes.

Plot

The story opens in the White family home when Sergeant-Major Morris shows them the monkey's paw and warns them not to use it. The Whites make wishes anyway, and the resulting events become increasingly tragic and unsettling.

Themes

The story explores fate, greed, and the cost of interfering with destiny. It is often read as a cautionary tale about wanting more than one already has.

Publication and reception

W. W. Jacobs first published the story in 1902, and it became one of the best-known examples of early 20th-century horror fiction. It remains widely anthologized and studied in literature courses.

Cultural influence

The phrase 'monkey's paw' has entered common usage as a metaphor for a wish that is fulfilled in a harmful or ironic way. The story has also inspired adaptations and references in later film and television.

Key facts

  • The story centres on the White family and a mysterious monkey's paw brought by Sergeant-Major Morris.
  • The paw is described as a talisman that can grant three wishes.
  • Mr. White's first wish for money is fulfilled through Herbert's death and compensation.
  • The story is commonly interpreted as a warning against tempting fate and pursuing wishes without considering consequences.
  • The final wish is used to stop a frightening knocking at the door.
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Canadian context

The story is widely taught and anthologized in English-language literature classes in Canada, and the expression 'monkey's paw' is also used in Canadian media and everyday English to describe a wish with unintended consequences.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote The Monkey's Paw?
It was written by British author W. W. Jacobs.
When was The Monkey's Paw published?
It was first published in 1902.
What is the monkey's paw in the story?
It is a mummified talisman said to grant its owner three wishes.
What happens after Mr. White's first wish?
The wish for money is fulfilled through Herbert's death and a compensation payment of £200.
What is the main theme of The Monkey's Paw?
A central theme is the danger of interfering with fate or trying to control destiny.

References

  1. Study.com — https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-monkeys-paw-by-w-w-jacobs-story-theme.html
    Supports: Identifies the monkey's paw as a talisman granting three wishes and notes the consequences of wishing.
  2. GradeSaver — https://www.gradesaver.com/the-monkeys-paw/study-guide/summary
    Supports: Summarizes the story's setting, characters, and the paw's curse.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/monkeys-paw
    Supports: Gives publication-era context, the paw's three-wish premise, and the story's themes.
  4. SuperSummary — https://www.supersummary.com/the-monkeys-paw/summary/
    Supports: States the story was published in 1902 and describes its plot and later cultural recognition.
  5. American Literature — https://americanliterature.com/author/w-w-jacobs/short-story/the-monkeys-paw
    Supports: Provides a plot summary including the three wishes, Herbert's death, and the story's thematic interpretation.