1. Short Story by W. W. Jacobs
The Monkey’s Paw

2. Discussion
Have you ever felt a bit dissatisfied with your life? Have you ever wished that something in your life would magically change – no hard work required?

3. Reading the Story
Please take notes on the following as we read through the story:
Examples of relevant lit terms:
* Suspense * Atmosphere/ Mood
* Tone * Symbolism
* Point of View
Important quotes (not necessarily “dialogue”)
Significant events

4. Do you think the monkey’s paw is actually magical? Why or why not?
Activity
Using whiteboards at your tables, map out your thoughts on the following question:
Do you think the monkey’s paw is actually magical? Why or why not?
Support your ideas with quotes and examples from the story

5. Do you think the monkey’s paw is actually magical? Why or why not?
Written Response
In a short paragraph, justify your opinion on the discussion question:
Do you think the monkey’s paw is actually magical? Why or why not?

6. Connections Of course, The Simpsons covered it….
"Treehouse of Horror II: The Monkey's Paw"

7. Written: Option 1
The question you've been waiting for all your life: If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?
Remember, be smart about this and give it plenty of thought. Homer had the right idea by foreseeing the possible consequences and demanding that specific horrors didn’t occur.
Hopefully the worst to come is a bit of dry turkey, and not a flesh eating zombie!

8. Written: Option 2 Creative Writing Prompt
The Whites have used all three of their wishes, and are anxious to be rid of the horrific monkey’s paw and the grief that has come from it. They’ve offered it to you with warnings of its consequences but you cannot resist the temptation…
Write a short story outlining your three wishes and the misfortunes that followed.

9. Follow-Up
Why doesn't anybody ever wish for unlimited wishes? Are there any ways that wish could backfire?