Writing Task

You have read “The Monkey’s Paw,” a short story about a family that is granted three wishes, but after receiving their wishes, suffer unexpected consequences.  Write an essay explaining how the story’s point of view creates suspense.  Be sure to use specific evidence to support your response.

Student Response

Have you ever believed in wishes like in the movie Aladdin where a genie gives a boy three wishes? “The Monkey’s Paw” is a short story written by W.W. Jacobs about a family that is granted three wishes, but after receiving their wishes, they suffer unexpected consequences. Throughout the story, the author uses point of view to create suspense.

The standpoint of the story is used by the author to create suspense. The author states, “It’s him,’ said Mr. White. He stood up and unlocked the door. Dead leaves blew across the floor. Then a tall man walked into the small room” (Jacobs 1). Because of the third person point of view the author uses, it creates a feeling of anxiety by making the reader wonder who is at the door and what are they doing there. Also, the use of the word “dead” gives a feeling that something bad is about to happen.

The third-person viewpoint used in the narrative creates a tone of tension. Jacobs says, “’Yes,’ said Morris. His face went white and his hand shook. He took a drink from his cup” (Jacobs 3).  The feeling of an outside observer looking and saying all the things that are going on inside the house, for example, the body language and dialogue, gives the reader an eerie feeling of something bad might happen later on in the story. The explanation of his face turning white and taking another sip of his drink makes the reader think that he doesn’t want to talk about whatever they are asking him, therefore, making it feel like he is hiding something from the family.

When one considers the author’s point of view, it is plain to see that it impacts the suspenseful tone of the story. The author’s point of view gives the reader a feeling of suspense and creates a mystery for them.  This story is a reminder just like Aesop said in his fables, “Be careful what you wish for.”

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