“The Monkey’s Paw” Theme Essay Tragedy: a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one concerning the downfall of the main character. Tragedy is almost always caused by selfishness and greed. When those traits consumed the White family, it was impossible to stop what was coming next. Throughout the short story “The Monkey’s Paw”, W.W. Jacobs illustrates the theme of selfishness and greediness leads to sorrow and tragedy.
The White family’s first wish was for 200 pounds from a magical talisman, that led to sorrowfulness. The talisman, which was a monkey’s paw was given to them by a soldier named Sergeant Morris. He warned them to seek something practical, or the consequences will come. However, the White family didn’t listen and tragedy came upon them. W.W. Jacobs writes, “ ‘The firm wished me to convey their sincere sympathy with you in your great loss,’
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White and Mr. White in sorrow, but hope came when they wished their son back to life. Mrs. White realized the monkey’s paw had two more wishes, and since she was in so much grief, the second wish was used greedily. But, Mrs. White completely forgot about the consequences that would come, while Mr. White was doubting the use of the second wish, due to the fact that, their past wish brought them much sorrow. The author writes, “ ‘For God’s sake don’t let it in,’ cried the old man, trembling.” (Jacobs 12). The writer is trying to state the point that Mr. White is afraid of his own son because he is afraid that Herbert is going to come back all possessed and mutilated. Mr. White believes this because of the past experience with the monkey’s paw. But, Mrs. White doesn’t believe the same because she has a strong desire for her son, even though she knows that there is a possibility that Herbert will come back “zombie-like.”. Her greediness and selfishness traits controlled her, and this will later bring her agony and