Name___________________________________

Date_________________

Period_______

The Monkey’s Paw

By W.W. Jacobs

Comprehension Questions

Directions: Answer each question in a complete sentence, correct spelling and capitalization (3 points
each).

1. What is the mood at the White’s house before the arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris? What are some
specific words from the text that set the mood?

2. How did Sergeant-Major Morris acquire the paw?

3. How does Mr. White get the monkey’s paw?

4. What does the sergeant-major tell them to do with the paw?

5. What power is the monkey’s paw supposed to have?

6. What can we infer about Mr. White since he ignored Morris’s warnings about the paw?
7. What does Mr. White say just before he makes his first wish?

8. Why does Herbert suggest his dad wish for two hundred pounds?

9. What does Mrs. White want as second wish? Why is Mr. White so reluctant to make that specific
wish?

10. What do you infer is Mr. White’s third wish? (Be specific!!) Support your answer with evidence from
the text.

Foreshadowing (6 points)

2 Examples of foreshadowing. Use a direct quote.

1.

2.

Point of View (3 points)

What point of view is the story told from? Give an example from the story and a quote to prove it.
Motivation (9 points)

What is motivating the characters in the story? (external or internal motivation) Give an example from
the story and a provide a quote.

Sergeant Major-Morris-

Mr. White-

Mrs. White-

Mood (3 points)

What is the mood of the story? Response with a quote.

Author’s Purpose (3 points)

What is the author’s purpose for this story? (To entertain, inform, or persuade?) Response with
evidence from the story.