Question

How would you define the mood throughout the story “The Monkey’s Paw”?

Answer 1

The type of mood that is established at the beginning of the story is dark and foreboding. this mood pretty much stays throughout the story, but fear and sadness are developed later when their son dies, and as his corpse is dragging itself up the road. There is also a sense of sadness as the father wishes the son away, using the final wish from the paw, and then burning it. Also, there is a sense of fear every time the gate creaks.

Answer 2

The overall mood is one of foreboding. The story begins with a warm and cozy atmosphere inside the White family home, while it’s chilly outside. Every time the son, Herbert, interacts with his parents, the mood becomes lighthearted and warm. Mr. and Mrs. White also share an affectionate relationship, which helps create the setting of a warm domestic household. However, the mood inside the house turns gloomy with the arrival of Sergeant-Major Morris, who brings a wish-granting monkey’s paw. The mood becomes more menacing each time the money’s paw is mentioned, overtaking the household’s warmth. When Mr. White wishes for his son to come back to life, the mood turns ominous.