Question

question 5 of 5

how do mr. whites wife and son first react to the story about the monkeys paw?

a. they are desperate to get the paw.
b. they do not believe it is magical.
c. they think it will end up killing someone.
d. they think it carries disease.

Explanation:

Analyze the characters' initial reaction

In W.W. Jacobs' short story "The Monkey's Paw," when Sergeant-Major Morris first shares the tale of the magical, wish-granting paw, Mr. White's wife (Mrs. White) and his son (Herbert) do not take it seriously. They treat the story with lighthearted skepticism and amusement, showing that they do not believe the object actually possesses magical powers.

Evaluate the given options

• A. They are desperate to get the paw. Incorrect. They make fun of it and do not show desperation.
• B. They do not believe it is magical. Correct. Their initial reaction is disbelief, joking about the wishes.
• C. They think it will end up killing someone. Incorrect. This realization or fear only develops much later after tragedy strikes.
• D. They think it carries disease. Incorrect. While they joke about it being a dirty monkey's paw, their primary reaction to the story itself is disbelief in its magic.

Answer:

• (A) They are desperate to get the paw.
• (B) They do not believe it is magical. (Correct answer)
• (C) They think it will end up killing someone.
• (D) They think it carries disease.