How Does Jacobs Create Tension In The Monkey's Paw

W.W. Jacobs uses foreshadowing and other literary techniques to create tones of mystery, tension, suspense, and surprise in each part of his work “The Monkey’s Paw”. The first example of mystery is presented in part one when the soldier says, “The first man had his three wishes, yes… I don’t know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That’s how I got the paw.” This leaves the reader questioning several points; why did the man before him wish for death? Why did he take the paw if he knew what happened to the last man that had it? Tension was introduced by the author when the soldier threw the monkey’s paw upon a fire. When Mr. White retrieved it, Morris’ solemn response was, “Better let it burn.” This leaves the reader once

And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you?” This is tension because the family is trying to prove to each other that the paw did not work and they will not see the money. Moreover, this idea is supported when the mother adds, in response to her husband’s claims that the talisman moved in his hand, “You thought it did, dear.” These pieces of dialogue are all examples of the family members trying to discredit Mr. White’s experience with the paw. Consequently, this creates tension as well as suspense. Suspense is furthermore introduced as a strange man approaches the White household; he comes bearing terrible news for the family. He tells the family that Herbert is hurt, “but not in any pain.” This is categorized as suspense because it leaves the reader wanting to know what happened to Herbert. The tension carries all the way to the end of the second part of the story, when he tells the family that their compensation for the death of their son is two hundred pounds, the very amount that Mr. White wished for just the day before. This surprising reveal makes the reader wonder what else the family will wish for, and whether or not those wishes will come