The Presentation of Human Nature in The Monkey's Paw, a Short Story by W.W. Jacobs

Numerous authors about the globe have depicted human nature as methods in which folks feel, feel and act. W.W. Jacobs, in his quick story, “The Monkey’s Paw” paints a rather unfavorable image about human nature. He portrays a family members which falls under a spell cast by an old fakir, causing the members to be succumbed to temptations brought on by the monkey’s paw. The monkey’s paw is supposedly recognized to offer 3 wishes for 3 men and women, granting wishes that would quickly turn into tragic sorrows and also helping individuals to realize that fate often determines human life. All through this short story, W.W. Jacobs defines human nature as one particular that is filled with greed, selfish thoughts and ungrateful attitudes.

W.W. Jacobs suggests that humans are naturally filled with greed. In this story, he describes Mr. White as someone who desperately desired to pile up his possessions. As a outcome, Mr. White’s greed coveted Sergeant-Significant Morris’ talisman, the monkey’s paw. For example, “‘If you do not want it, Morris,” said the other, “give it to me.’” Mr. White had revealed his overly excessive greed when saying this even soon after the paw was thrown upon fire. In addition, the author also portrays how Mr. White was not content with all the income and belongings that he already had in his possession. “‘I wish for two hundred pounds,” stated the old man distinctly.” This was the wish that he created when he was currently effectively off. Lastly, the author also displays the White family’s intense craving for energy. In the story, Herbert encourages his father to want to bring kingly energy upon themselves by saying, “Why, we’re going to be rich, and well-known, and pleased. Wish to be an emperor, Father,”

The author also claims that human beings are filled with selfish thoughts. He reveals the White loved ones as people who were not patient when it came to escalating their wealth. He makes this point when he writes, “‘Well, want for two hundred pounds, then that’ll just do it.’” W.W. Jacobs points out that the White loved ones was obsessed about elaborating on their personal riches. For that reason, the family members could have owned everything in the planet but they would not have sufficient to be happy with what they had. Also, the author shows how the White household was not at all bothered by the truth that the talisman may be cursed and how they may suffer from the deadly consequences when they initial received the monkey’s paw from Sergeant-Significant Morris. Their all round one and only concern was if the monkey’s paw was really in a position to grant their wishes.

W.W. Jacobs also believes that men and women are superb examples of ungrateful attitudes. The author expresses this human nature via Mr. White who was in general, a properly-off man. Despite the fact that he was particularly fortunate compared to most individuals, Mr. White was ungrateful about his living circumstances saying, “‘of all the beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way locations to reside in, this is the worst, pathway’s a bog, and the road’s a torrent.’” The author also demonstrates the ungrateful mindset of the son, Herbert White. The son had a pleasant life and even a job, however he still managed to display an ungrateful attitude in, “‘Well, I do not see the money,” stated his son, as he picked it up and placed it on the table, “and I bet I never ever shall.’” Lastly, the author displays the ungrateful attitudes of the couple. Alternatively of getting grateful of their present fate and all that nevertheless remained, they nevertheless considered their other two wishes which is illustrated in, “‘Think of what?’ he questioned. ‘The other two wishes,’ she replied swiftly. ‘We’ve only had one particular.’”

Overall, W.W. Jacobs illustrates human nature as one particular that is filled with greed, selfish thoughts and ungrateful attitudes. The author successfully exhibits these human natures employing the White family. These natures can be noticed in their greed for more money and energy, their selfish thoughts that only cared for living a prosperous life and ungrateful attitudes for the factors that they already had. Nonetheless, W.W. Jacobs’ unfavorable notion on human nature can be noticed not only in these characters, but also in the reality as nicely.