The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs

Read and discuss classic short stories.
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BookaholicAuthor
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Re: The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs

Post by BookaholicAuthor »

I have to admit I read this back in High School and still haven't forgotten a single detail of it. I loved it back then and still love this story up til this day. I swear, it makes my heart skip a beat when I read it.
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Post by Jjnessie 33 »

it was a little freaky
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Erik
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Post by Erik »

This one was a required reading back in school... but I've since read it again, a few times. I find that as I get older, it effects me more.. after all, I've lost people now, which I hadn't when I was a teen. The idea of wishing a loved one back from death is something that I think occurs to everyone who is grieving, but only after you get a bit of distance, perspective, do you realize how selfish that wish is, especially if you believe that the dead move on to some sort of paradise. I don't hold that belief, of course, but I still understand that wishing a loved one back would likely mean extreme pain for that person, and I'd not wish that on anyone I claim to love. For me, this story was just as much about the selfishness of grief as it was a classic horror tale.
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Post by AlwaysWorthIt »

I first heard this story back in middle school. We read it and then went to see a short play of it. They did an amazing job playing exactly as the story portrayed. The mystery behind the foot, the solider, and the door was thrilling for me as a child and still doing that today shows the impact on this story.
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Post by hlc85 »

This is such a fascinating, memorable, and altogether sad short story that teaches the lesson "be careful what you wish for." This short story twists innocent wishes like small sums of money into nightmares. It is so depressing that the main characters lost their son to their wish and the mysterious ending leaves the reader in chills. My praise of the story does not give it enough credit, but the fact that movies like Wish Upon are still being made and are based on the general idea of "The Monkey's Paw" stands as a testament that this is still a relevant and intriguing premise.
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Post by Reuben 92 »

Such a creepy and sinister tale! The atmosphere really builds and builds. I remember reading this in school and shuddering towards the end!
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Post by Serina Vitrino »

I love this story! I remember I wrote an essay on it in high school and I got twenty points off the otherwise fine essay since I confused the author's last name for the White family. To this day I still mix them up! I don't know why
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Post by leandrarose »

I read this for English class in middle school. Back then, I believe I was slightly disturbed by the story, but I enjoyed it much more this time around.
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Post by Maestro Victor »

Really great story, it kinda got freaky at some point but it was totally okay
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Post by Klee942 »

Loved this short story and mystery that it brings throughout the story. I really wanted to know what or who was at the door. Reminds me of a horror movie with suspense.
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Post by Samy Lax »

Oh, wow! That was creepy. I remember having read this once before, but the creepiness factor still remains high. I've not watched this on TV, but as always, I believe that words hold a greater power than visuals on the telly. So, consider me spooked!
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Post by RSchwartz »

ahhhh I remember reading this for school and not long after there was a spin-off of the story on the Simpsons. Be careful what you wish for....you might just get it....
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Post by ccranston »

I love reading this story to my middle school students! I usually make it dramatic with background music and have one student knock on the door. The kids love how creepy it is.
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Post by sarbearah »

I remember reading this in middle school and being quite shaken afterwards. Now, it still has the same effect on me! Thanks for sharing. What a magnificent piece of storytelling.
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Post by Jude Uwaje »

Nice story. I enjoyed it so much. Good job!
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