Fate, Greed, and Consequences of Wishes in “The Monkey’s Paw” by Jacobs
This analysis examines W. W. Jacobs’ “The Monkey’s Paw” and its enduring exploration of fate, greed, and the consequences of desire. Through the tragic experiences of the White family, the story illustrates how attempts to alter destiny lead to unforeseen suffering. By highlighting the destructive power of unchecked wishes and humanity’s tendency to pursue more than is needed, the narrative reveals why its themes remain relevant. The story ultimately warns readers about the costs of interfering with forces beyond human control.
References
Jacobs, William. The Lady of the Barge. Alan Rodgers Books, 1902.
Sarkar, Somnath. The Monkey’s Paw | Summary, Analysis, Theme, Symbolism. All About English Literature. 2022. Web.
Asmarani, Ratna. “Careless Choices, Dreadful Consequences: A Comparative Study of W.W. Jacobs’ The Monkey’s Paw And Richard Matheson’s Button, Button.” HUMANIKA, vol. 27, no. 2, 2020, pp. 133-146. Web.
Reference
StudyCorgi. (2025, November 15). Fate, Greed, and Consequences of Wishes in “The Monkey’s Paw” by Jacobs. https://studycorgi.video/fate-greed-and-consequences-of-wishes-in-the-monkeys-paw-by-jacobs/