Question

In "The Monkey's Paw," the author uses both actions and words of the sergeant-major to build suspense. Using evidence from the text, describe how both the words he says and the actions he takes build suspense.

Answer 1

Acobs creates suspense through the use of setting, foreshadowing, and purposeful omission. The story takes place at the White residence, which is relatively isolated and located away from the nearest road. This isolated location adds to the haunting atmosphere of the story and is significant to the plot. Jacobs also foreshadows the ramifications of wishing upon the magic monkey's paw through Sergeant-Major Moris's enigmatic story.