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The Monkey's Paw

W. W. Jacobs

22,558 ratings
The Monkey's Paw | W. W. Jacobs

The Monkey's Paw

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The Monkey’s Paw was written by W.W. Jacobs. It’s a dark brooding tale which promises from the start that the light you see at the end of the tunnel is actually an oncoming train. Mr and Mrs White of Laburnum Villas step out toward that light by taking up the three wishes granted to the owner of the Monkey’s Paw. Terrible things have happened to previous owners of this artifact but surely the Whites will fare better than those who have gone before…
. The visitor absent-mindedly put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. His host filled it for him.

"To look at," said the sergeant-major, fumbling in his pocket, "it's just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy."

He took something out of his pocket and proffered it. Mrs. White drew back with a grimace, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.

"And what is there special about it?" inquired Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.

"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir," said the sergeant-major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it."

His manner was so impressive that his hearers were conscious that their light laughter jarred somewhat.

"Well, why don't you have three, sir?" said Herbert White, cleverly.

The soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. "I have," he said, quietly, and his blotchy face whitened.

"And did you really have the three wishes granted?" asked Mrs. White.

"I did," said the sergeant-major, and his glass tapped against his strong teeth.

"And has anybody else wished?" persisted the old lady.

"The first man had his three wishes. Yes," was the reply; "I don't know what the first two were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw."

His tones were so grave that a hush fell upon the group.

"If you've had your three wishes, it's no good to you now, then, Morris," said the old man at last. "What do you keep it for?"

The soldier shook his head. "Fancy, I suppose," he said, slowly. "I did have some idea of selling it, but I don't think I will. It has caused enough mischief already.

Simin 04/22/2018
A happy family and a monkey's paw which brings misfortune
Shirley 08/14/2017
Listened to this short story to kill a moment of boredom and I really enjoyed it.
Not heard this tale for years and like they say the old ones can be the best.
I certainly had the atmosphere with the lights off late at night and rain thundering down on the roof.
Awesome.
Marvin 07/12/2012
What is the most anthologized piece of short horror fiction ever?

I'll give you a hint. It is not anything by Poe.

That's right. The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacob. Say whatever you want about this old warhorse. However, it was often the first real horror story many of us had read. It is responsible for

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