The Monkey’s Paw

The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs is a masterfully crafted gothic short story that has terrified readers for over a century. First published in 1902, this tale of supernatural consequence revolves around the White family, who come into possession of a mysterious monkey’s paw said to grant three wishes to its owner. Despite warnings from a seasoned visitor who has experienced its dark powers, the family succumbs to temptation and makes a wish—setting off a chain of tragic and irreversible events.

What makes The Monkey’s Paw enduringly powerful is not just its eerie atmosphere, but its exploration of universal human themes: greed, fate, loss, and the terrifying idea that wishes, once granted, come at a devastating cost. The story’s tightly controlled structure and suspenseful pacing keep readers on edge, while its moral weight invites deep reflection. With just a few pages, Jacobs delivers an unforgettable experience that rivals full-length novels in emotional impact.

This haunting narrative has inspired countless adaptations across film, theatre, and pop culture, cementing its place as a cornerstone of horror literature. For fans of the macabre, the mysterious, and the morally ambiguous, The Monkey’s Paw remains a must-read classic that continues to spark fear—and thought—long after the final page.