Jacobs took place on a dark, stormy, night when a family learned that they should be careful what they wish for. The Monkey's Paw was a test of how strong minded and foolish people are. .
On the dark and rainy night Sargent-Major Morris made a visit to the White resident. The sargent talked about his past trips and encounters while in the military. During his descriptions he mentioned a Monkey's Paw. "What was that that you started telling me the other day about a monkey's paw or something, Morris?" "Nothing. Leastways, nothing worth hearing." But the family became curious about the Monkey's Paw and pressed Morris with more questions. He described the Monkey's Paw to have magical powers, giving three wishes. The Monkey's Paw "had a spell on it by an old Fakir, a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lifes and that who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." Mr. White could not hold back his eagerness to take the Monkey's Paw even after it was thrown in the fire. Morris warned him "I threw it on the fire. If you keep it, don't blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire like a sensible man." .
After Morris left the family was curious if the paw worked. "Why, we"re going to be rich, and famous, and happy. Wish to be an emporer, father, to begin with; then you can't be henpecked." But Mr. White did not know what he wanted to wish for, so he wished for two hundred pounds. A few days later his wish was granted in a way he never thought possible. Their wish was granted through their son Herbert's death. Herbert was chopped up in the machinery at work and the company was compensating the family with two hundred pounds. .
The Monkey's Paw represented foolishness and greed. For the White family the paw was the easiest way out. They knew they would never have two hundred pounds without some magical help. The story also represents greed. " I don't know what to wish for, and that's a fact, It seems to me I've got all I want.
