Question

Which sentences in this excerpt from W. W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw" show that the White family does not believe in the talisman’s power?
"Hold it up in your right hand, and wish aloud," said the Sergeant-Major, "But I warn you of the consequences."
"Sounds like the 'Arabian Nights,'" said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me."
Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket, and all three burst into laughter as the Sergeant-Major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm.
"If you must wish," he said gruffly, "Wish for something sensible."

Answer 1

Answer:

"Sounds like the 'Arabian Nights,'" said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me."

Explanation:

These sentences are the ones that demonstrate that the White family do not believe in the power of the talisman. In these lines, we learn that Mrs. White compares the story to the Arabian Nights. This implies that the woman believes the tale to be as fictitious as a fairytale or a legend. Moreover, Mrs. White asks for four pairs of hands for herself in a mocking way. This supports the idea that she does not believe in the power of the talisman.