The Monkey's Paw Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. What changes occur in the relationship between the Whites, and what causes these changes?

2. What are the three wishes made with the paw, and what happens in response to these wishes?

3. The visitor was a minor character whose presence made a big difference in the plot. How did he accomplish this? What are some ways that his presence, though brief, altered the outcome of the plot? What would have happened differently if he had not been in the book at all?

4. The Whites both endure many different trials...
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