How The Theme Of Fate Revealed In The Monkey's Paw

In “The Monkey’s Paw,” a talisman is forwarded to people with the intent of granting three wishes for three people. In all three cases the wishes are granted, however, they bring a horrid outcome along with them. The results of the wishes may even be death. The repeated awful outcomes reveal the theme of fate, which one must not interfere with unless they would like consequences alongside it. First, the story begins with Sergeant-Major telling the story of the initial man who possessed the monkey’s paw. He states, “I don’t know what the first two were, but the third was death,” implying that the wishes ended up so bad that the man requested death for his third wish. This is the first sign of someone attempting to interfere with faith and not liking the results. After Sergeant-Major tells the story, he begins to dangle the talisman over the fire when Mr. White asks for it. Sergeant Major then states, “I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again, like a sensible man.” This reaffirms that the talisman will

Sergeant Major’s terrible experience with the talisman is exposed through facial expressions and communications. When it is brought up by Mr. White, Sergeant Major brushes it off hastily as if not wanting to talk about it. As he answers questions about his wishes, “his blotchy face whitens” revealing that his wishes also did not go the way he planned. Sergeant Major also provides the family with many warnings of using the talisman and recommends not using it which restates the danger of interfering with fate. Because he has experienced this, he can provide truthful suggestions. In addition, Sergeant Major’s “tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group” showing that this is a serious matter and it not to be messed around with. In the end, however, the family seems to take no heed to the warnings and begins to play with the