What is the Monkey’s Paw- Unveiling Herbert’s Complex Attitude towards the Enigmatic Curiosity
What is the Monkey’s Paw? What is Herbert’s Attitude Towards It?
The Monkey’s Paw is a short story written by W. W. Jacobs in 1902. It revolves around the mysterious and supernatural events that unfold when a group of soldiers come across an ancient, cursed paw in the jungle. The story explores the theme of fate versus free will, as the soldiers make a series of desperate decisions that lead to tragic consequences. One of the central characters in the story is Herbert, who plays a crucial role in the unfolding events. This article aims to delve into the significance of the Monkey’s Paw and analyze Herbert’s attitude towards it throughout the narrative.
In the beginning of the story, Herbert is depicted as a skeptical and pragmatic individual. He is initially dismissive of the paw’s supernatural properties, considering it to be a mere superstition. His attitude towards the paw is one of skepticism and disbelief. However, as the story progresses, Herbert’s attitude begins to change. He starts to question his own beliefs and the validity of the paw’s curse.
Herbert’s transformation is evident when he encounters the first of the paw’s supernatural effects. After the soldiers’ commanding officer, Captain Morris, is killed by a tiger, Herbert is left to take command. He is forced to make a series of decisions that directly involve the paw, and each decision seems to bring about dire consequences. This causes Herbert to reconsider his initial skepticism and start to believe in the paw’s curse.
As the story unfolds, Herbert’s attitude towards the Monkey’s Paw becomes increasingly desperate and fearful. He is haunted by the thought that the paw’s curse is real and that he is now its victim. This fear leads him to make even more desperate decisions, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of his wife, Mrs. Whitehead. Herbert’s attitude towards the paw is now one of terror and despair, as he realizes the full extent of the paw’s power.
In conclusion, the Monkey’s Paw is a mysterious and cursed artifact that plays a pivotal role in the story. Herbert’s attitude towards the paw evolves from skepticism and disbelief to fear and despair. His transformation reflects the story’s exploration of the consequences of succumbing to fate versus making one’s own decisions. The Monkey’s Paw serves as a powerful symbol of the supernatural and the unpredictable nature of life, while Herbert’s attitude towards it highlights the psychological impact of supernatural beliefs and the struggle between reason and superstition.
