What is the theme in The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs?

Fate and chance is certainly one of the larger themes in the book. The Monkey's paw is irresistible to the human psyche. It carries the whish motif that has been around since the beginning of time. Chance, however, always comes at a price. Wishes can come true but there is always a dark side that comes with good fortune. This duality of fortune is all wrapped up in the White's fate once they choose to use the paw.