Theme Of Foreshadowing In The Monkey's Paw
Have you ever woken up sleep-deprived after a long night of reading an intriguing story? I definitely have. The reason these stories are such page-turners is because of the author’s excellent use of literary devices. Writers often use literary devices in their work in order to make a story more alluring and thought-provoking rather than languid and mundane.
In W.W Jacob’s short story “The Monkey’s Paw,” there are many instances of foreshadowing in order to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. In part one of “The Monkey’s Paw” the White family is introduced to the monkey’s paw by, family friend, Sergeant Major Morris. Major Morris explains the indelible outcome of using the paw. Mrs. White asks if anyone has used the paw before and Major Morris responds with “‘The first man used his wishes, yes,’”...”’I don't know what his first two wishes were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw.’” (Jacobs 34-35) This shows that if the family decides to use the paw, then then there may be dreadful consequences. …show more content…
He uses symbolism to remind the audience that their time is running out. Poe talks about the clock in the beginning of the story, and how that every hour it chimed, the company would get uncomfortable and the party ceases for a moment. The clock represents time and its inevitability. Time is incessant. The party-goers are reminded every hour that their time is running out and, eventually, they will all die. At the end of Poe's story the main character, Prince Prospero, is killed by the Red Death. Prince Prospero was “...happy, dauntless, and sagacious,” (373) but no matter how powerful and fearless he was, not even he could avoid death. Prince Prospero was at the peak of his youth, yet he still died along with everyone else. Through symbolism Poe reminds the readers that no matter what they cannot escape death’s
In W.W Jacob’s short story “The Monkey’s Paw,” there are many instances of foreshadowing in order to keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. In part one of “The Monkey’s Paw” the White family is introduced to the monkey’s paw by, family friend, Sergeant Major Morris. Major Morris explains the indelible outcome of using the paw. Mrs. White asks if anyone has used the paw before and Major Morris responds with “‘The first man used his wishes, yes,’”...”’I don't know what his first two wishes were, but the third was for death. That's how I got the paw.’” (Jacobs 34-35) This shows that if the family decides to use the paw, then then there may be dreadful consequences. …show more content…
He uses symbolism to remind the audience that their time is running out. Poe talks about the clock in the beginning of the story, and how that every hour it chimed, the company would get uncomfortable and the party ceases for a moment. The clock represents time and its inevitability. Time is incessant. The party-goers are reminded every hour that their time is running out and, eventually, they will all die. At the end of Poe's story the main character, Prince Prospero, is killed by the Red Death. Prince Prospero was “...happy, dauntless, and sagacious,” (373) but no matter how powerful and fearless he was, not even he could avoid death. Prince Prospero was at the peak of his youth, yet he still died along with everyone else. Through symbolism Poe reminds the readers that no matter what they cannot escape death’s