Monkey's Paw by W.W.Jacons

 About W.W. Jacobs :

W.W. Jacobs was an English author born on September 8, 1863, in Wapping, London. He is best known for his short story "The Monkey's Paw," which was published in 1902 and is considered a classic of horror fiction.

Jacobs began his career as a clerk in the civil service but eventually became a writer, publishing his first collection of short stories, "Many Cargoes," in 1896. He went on to publish many more collections of stories, as well as novels and plays.

Although "The Monkey's Paw" is Jacobs' most famous work, he also wrote many other horror and ghost stories, as well as humorous tales and stories set in the world of the sea. His works often feature working-class characters and settings, reflecting his own background as the son of a wharf manager.

Jacobs died on September 1, 1943, in Hornsey, London, at the age of 79. His legacy as a writer continues to be celebrated today, particularly for his contributions to the horror genre.

About Monkey's Paw :

The Monkey's Paw is a short story written by W.W. Jacobs in 1902. It is a horror story that revolves around a cursed talisman, the monkey's paw, which grants its owner three wishes but comes with a terrible price.

The story begins with the arrival of a mysterious old man at the home of the White family. He introduces himself as Sergeant-Major Morris, an old friend of Mr. White's deceased father. During their conversation, Morris shows the family a monkey's paw that he acquired during his travels in India. He tells them that the paw has the power to grant three wishes to its owner but warns them that the wishes come at a great cost.

Despite Morris's warnings, Mr. White asks to see the paw and becomes intrigued by its power. Morris reluctantly gives him the paw and warns him not to use it, but Mr. White cannot resist the temptation and wishes for two hundred pounds to pay off his mortgage.

The next day, Mr. White's son Herbert goes to work at the local factory but is killed in a tragic accident. The family receives compensation of two hundred pounds from the factory, which they believe is the fulfillment of their wish. However, they soon realize that their wish has come at a great cost, as their son's body is mangled beyond recognition.

Mr. and Mrs. White become consumed with grief and decide to use the paw to wish for their son's return. Despite Morris's warnings, they make the wish, and soon after, they hear a knocking at their door. Mrs. White, convinced that it is their son, rushes to open the door, but Mr. White, terrified of what they might find, uses the paw's final wish to undo their previous wish.

The knocking stops, and the Whites are left with the realization that their son is truly gone forever. The story ends with the sound of the wind outside the house, which is said to be the monkey's paw moving on to its next victim.

The Monkey's Paw is a cautionary tale about the dangers of tempting fate and the consequences of greed. It also explores themes of grief, loss, and the human desire to control fate. The paw represents the allure of power and the dangers that come with it, as well as the idea that every action has a consequence.

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