The Monkey's Paw Comparison

Imagine you were granted three wishes; and that's all. You can make whatever wishes you desire, but if not justifiable or reasonable, there could be a price to pay. The short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs discusses the alarming tale of an older couple being granted "three wishes" from a monkey's paw given to them. However, the purpose of the paw isn't to grant wishes; it is to show that you shouldn't change your fate. The film adaptation of the short story by Ricky Lewis Jr. also showcases that moral.

Both versions of the short story have their similarities and differences, while using suspense devices to make each version thrilling and exciting. However, the overall superior version was the film clip because of the visual representation

Significant parts, events, and sayings are identical. For example, the dialogue stays relatively the same during the course of the story. Each sentence being said in the film clip goes along with the text. One example of the many shared quotes includes, "We had the first wish granted...why not the second?" (para 115) The similar dialogue makes the story line go in the same direction. With that said, the plot of each version is the same. The same events happen in chronological order. Another similarity between the two sources is how Mr. White still refers to Herbert, his son, as "it" while explaining to Mrs.

White how it's a bad idea to let Herbert enter the house. The text and the film clip state, "Don't come in." (p. 136) A similar noise heard throughout storytelling is the

Herbert enters the storytelling is the knocking. When Herbert enters the premises, the text states, "..at the same moment a knock...A third knock sounded through the house." (para 127,128) We hear and see the knocking in both pieces, and how they affect each character by making them worried and

Now wish him alive." (1:51-1:54) This states that Mrs. White still has resentment for Mr. White for wishing his son to die.

Another example of dialogue changes is when Mr.

White says he only recognized his son by his clothes.

The film clip states, "but I only could only recognize him from his clothes." (1:39-1:42) This quote wasn't mentioned in the text, but has deep significance with how Mr. White actually feels about bringing Herbert back to life.

Both versions of "The Monkey's Paw" emphasize suspense but one can infer that the film adaptation of "The Monkey's Paw" by Ricky Lewis Jr is more thrilling, frightening, and tragic due to a visual representation of the story with suspense devices, such as lighting, camera angles, filters, and music. It's easier for the viewer to feel scared while watching a visual version other than the written version. There is a dark film over the camera during the clip, and it emphasizes the

Tre music starts to crescendo as the story progresses and nears its iconic ending. The angles get close-up into the actors' grimace and terrified faces. For the lighting, there is barely any light to show how dark the setting and story is. With these suspense devices being used, it's more effective compared to imagery to get the full grasp of terror and horror that comes from this