The Monkey's Paw

'Fate rules people's lives, and those who interfere with it do so to their sorrow.' First published in 1902 in Harper's Monthly magazine, 'The Monkey's Paw' is a chilling short story that details the devastating price of interfering with fate. When the White family come into the possession of a supposedly mystical talisman – a mummified monkey's paw – they are at first sceptical. According to the previous owner, the paw can grant three wishes, but only with a hellish cost. Mr. White, following encouragement from his son, flippantly wishes for £200, which will enable him to pay off the mortgage for his house. But when Mr. White's innocent wish comes true, a series of tragic and horrifying events ensue, changing the family forever. Deeply unnerving and pacey in equal measure, 'The Monkey's Paw' reminds its readers to be careful for what you wish for. William Wymark Jacobs (1863 – 1943) was an English short story writer and dramatist. He is remembered for his humorous yet often macabre tales, which gained much popularity at the time of publication. Although much of his writing focused on marine life, his most famous work is the horror short story, 'The Monkey's Paw'.