The Secret Life Of Walter Milly

1902 Words8 Pages
Irony, Foreshadowing, Theme, and Conflict in “The Monkey’s Paw” Foreshadowing is a technique that authors use to drop hints or clues about what will happen later, thereby helping to build suspense and prepare readers for the outcome. Examples of Foreshadowing: 1. p. 143 - When Mr. White and Herbert are playing a game of chess, Mr. White puts his king into “sharp and unnecessary perils” and makes a “fatal mistake.” His reckless moves in the chess game foreshadow how Mr. White puts his family into a risky situation by buying the potentially destructive talisman and then makes a wish that causes a fatal mistake – his son’s death. 2. p. 147 – “His blotchy face whitened.” This quote shows that the sergeant is disturbed by the three wishes he had previously made on the monkey’s paw, which foreshadows the disturbed state the Whites are in after they make their three wishes. 3. p. 148 - “If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens. Pitch it on the fire again, like a sensible man” and “…but I warn you of the consequences.” These warnings by the sergeant foreshadow that something bad will happen to the family if they use the monkey’s paw and then Herbert dies in a work accident after the first wish. 4. p. 148 – “If you must wish, wish for something sensible.” This quote foreshadows that a foolish wish may be made, and then Mr. White foolishly wishes for his dead, mutilated son to be alive again as his second wish. 5. p. 149 - “And he pressed me again to throw it away.” The sergeant’s warning to Mr. White foreshadows that the monkey’s paw will bring danger to the family, and it does when Herbert dies in a machinery accident at work. 6. p. 150 – “As I wished it twisted in my hands like a snake.” The movement of the monkey’s paw foreshadows that the paw’s magical powers will actually work, as it seemed to do with all three wishes made by Mr.
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