The Monkey's Paw, written by WW Jacobs, is a classic horror story that explores themes such as fate, greed, and the consequences of tampering with the unknown. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the key theme of the story and analyze its development and resolution. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Monkey's Paw revolves around the concept of fate and the idea that everyone's destiny is predetermined. The story follows the White family who come into possession of a magical monkey's paw that grants three wishes. However, every wish comes with a high price, leading to tragic consequences for the family. One of the key debates surrounding the theme of fate in The Monkey's Paw is whether the events that unfold are the result of fate or simply a series of unfortunate coincidences. . Some claim that the paw itself is cursed and that tragic events that befall the family are inevitable. Others believe that the consequences of wishes are the result of the characters' actions and decisions. Throughout the story, we see the theme of destiny develop as the White family grapples with the consequences of their wishes. Mr. White wants to make money, but it comes at the cost of his son's life. Mrs. White wishes for her son to return from the dead, but finds herself faced with a horrible specter at the door. These events highlight the idea that destiny cannot be changed and that attempting to alter one's destiny will only lead to disaster. An example that supports the theme of destiny in The Monkey's Paw is the character of Sergeant Major Morris, who serves as a warning to the White family about the dangers of tampering with destiny. When he first presents the monkey's paw to the family, he recounts his own experience with the paw and the tragic consequences that followed his wishes. This serves as a foreshadowing of the events that will unfold for the White family, emphasizing the idea that destiny cannot be changed or altered. Additionally, academic texts such as Bradley Dowden's "The Philosophy of Fate" provide insight into the concept of fate and its implications for human actions. Dowden argues that fate is a force beyond human control and that attempting to resist or manipulate it will only lead to negative results. This corresponds to the events of The Monkey's Paw, where the characters' attempts to change their destinies ultimately result in tragedy. Additionally, studies on the psychology of decision-making show that individuals often struggle with the concept of fate versus free will. The characters in The Monkey's Paw grapple with this dilemma as they face the opportunity to make wishes that could change their lives. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that their choices are ultimately futile in the face of fate. As the story reaches its resolution, the theme of fate becomes more pronounced. The final wish made by Mrs. White is to undo the previous wishes and return her son to his resting place. This wish remains unresolved, leaving the reader to ponder the consequences of altering fate. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, The Monkey's Paw effectively explores the theme of destiny through its gripping narrative and thought-provoking characters. By examining the consequences of the characters' actions and the warnings given by Sergeant Major Morris, readers are encouraged to think about the limits of action..