"The Monkey's Paw" (By: W.W. Jacobs)
"Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it." --Anonymous
The Monkey's Paw is a classic "three wishes" story that doubles as a horror story and a cautionary tale;
reminding us that unintended consequences often accompany the best intentions.
Click HERE for a pdf of the short story
Introduction
Before You Read Questions/ Think, Pair, Share
1. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? (No wishing for more wishes!)
2. Are wishes always positive? Could there be a negative side to being granted wishes?
Vocabulary
|
TERM |
Part of Speech |
Definition |
Page # |
|
1. radical |
ADJ |
very different from the usual or traditional
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2. perils |
N |
exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost
|
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|
3. visage |
N |
the face, countenance, or appearance of a person or sometimes an animal
|
|
|
4. grimace |
N |
a facial expression that displays pain or discomfort
|
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|
5. doggedly |
ADJ |
marked by stubborn determination
|
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6. presumptuous |
ADJ |
overstepping due bounds (as of customs or courtesy) : taking liberties
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7. consequences |
N |
a result or effect of an action or condition
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8. credulity |
N |
a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true especially on slight or uncertain evidence
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9. avaricious |
ADJ |
: greedy of gain : excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches
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10. sinister |
ADJ |
giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen; threatening
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11. compensation |
N |
something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering:
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12. apathy |
N |
lack of feeling or emotion
|
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Active Reading
As you read, take notes on each character’s thoughts and feelings about the monkey’s paw and how they differ from one another.
After You Read
Simpsons - Monkey's Paw from Georgia Drakou on Vimeo.