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Homework Help > The Monkey's PawHow does the author create suspense in "The Monkey's Paw"?print Print document PDF list CiteAsked on November 11, 2008 at 8:03 AM by nahilalike 1dislike 01 Answerpmiranda2857 | High School Teacher | (Level 1) Educator EmeritusPosted on November 11, 2008 at 8:20 AMIn The Monkey's Paw, the author creates suspense through the mystery surrounding the monkey's paw. When Sergeant Major Morris visits the Whites, he brings with him the very vague and mysterious story of the monkey's paw. He tells the Whites that he wants to get rid of it, the Whites are very interested, especially Mr. White.Sergeant Major Morris goes on to tell the Whites that the monkey's paw, which he produces, and shows them, has the ability to grant three people, three wishes. And, Sergeant Major Morris was the second owner.The author never tells us what Sergeant Major Morris wished for, nor does he tell us the first two wishes of the first owner. We only know that his final wish was for death.Further in the story, the suspense is built through the unknown quality of how the wishes made on the monkey's paw by Mr. White will be granted. After the first wish for 200 pounds is granted through the accidental death of Herbert, the White's son, they are well aware of the evil, dark magic that the monkey's paw is capable of, however, they continue to use it.When Mr. White and Mrs. White are scrambling at the end of the story, he looking for the monkey's paw on the floor, and she dragging a chair to the door to open it to let in whatever is on the other side, should be Herbert raised from the grave. The suspense is very intense, it is great reading
Jacobs keeps changing the mood. He uses descriptive words to build the atmosphere of mystery, fear and foreboding. He begins “. . . the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlor of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly . . .” immediately setting the mood for a stormy story that will affect the White family. Readers understand that although the family is safe at the moment, they are surrounded by a sinister atmosphere. A large part of the story takes place in the night, which deepens the mood of fear. The mood of mystery and enchantment is set through the use of lines such as “the gate banged too loudly and heavy footsteps came toward the door” and “It had a spell put on it by an old fakir . . . He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.” When Mr. White makes his second wish, the mood becomes frightening. He thinks of Herbert’s mutilated body and realizes what a terrible thing it was to wish him back from death.
