Topic > The presentation of human nature in The Monkey's Paw, a short story by Ww Jacobs

Numerous authors around the world have described human nature as the way people think, feel and act. WW Jacobs, in his story “The Monkey's Paw” paints a rather negative picture of human nature. It depicts a family that falls under the spell cast by an old fakir, causing its members to succumb to the temptations provoked by the monkey's paw. The monkey's paw is said to grant three wishes for three individuals, granting wishes that would soon turn into tragic sorrows and also helping people realize that fate often determines human life. In this short story, WW Jacobs defines human nature as full of greed, selfish thoughts, and ungrateful attitudes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay WW Jacobs suggests that humans are naturally filled with greed. In this story, he describes Mr. White as someone who was desperate to accumulate his assets. As a result, Mr. White's greed coveted Sergeant Major Morris' talisman, the monkey's paw. For example: “'If you don't want it, Morris,' said the other, 'give it to me.'” Mr. White had revealed his excessive greed by saying this, even after the paw had been thrown into the fire. Furthermore, the author also describes how Mr. White was not satisfied with all the money and possessions he already had in his possession. “I would like two hundred pounds,” the old man said distinctly. “This was the wish he expressed when he was already well off. Finally, the author also shows the White family's intense lust for power. In the story, Herbert encourages his father to desire bring upon himself the royal power by saying: “We will become rich, famous and happy. I wish to be an emperor, father”, The author also states that human beings are full of selfish thoughts. He reveals the White family as people who were not patient when it came to increasing one's wealth. He emphasizes this point when he writes: “'Well, I want two hundred pounds, then;'” WW Jacobs points out that the White family was obsessed with developing their personal wealth family could have owned everything in the world but would not have had enough to make do with what they had Furthermore, the author shows how the White family was not bothered at all that the talisman could be cursed and how they could have suffered the deadly consequences when. they would first receive the monkey's paw from Sergeant Major Morris. Their only concern was whether the monkey's paw was actually capable of granting their wishes. WW Jacobs also believes that people are prime examples of ungrateful attitudes. The author expresses this human nature through Mr. White who was overall a wealthy man. Although he was particularly fortunate compared to most people, Mr. White was ungrateful about his living conditions saying, "'of all the beastly, muddy, out-of-the-way places to live, this is the worst, the path is a swamp ". , and the road is a stream.'” The author also demonstrates the ungrateful mentality of his son, Herbert White. The son had a nice life and even a job, yet he still managed to show an ungrateful attitude by saying, “Well, I don't see the money,” his son said, picking it up and placing it on the table. , “and I bet I never will.'” Finally, the author shows the couple's ungrateful attitudes. Instead of being grateful for their current lot and all that still remained, they still considered their two other desires, illustrated in “'Think of What?' he asked..