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How Does Jacobs Create Suspense In The Monkey's Paw

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Tension and uncertainty caused by the unknown is the meaning of suspense. In “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs suspense is found. During “The Monkey’s Paw” by Jacobs suspense is created through setting, irony, and foreshadowing. Much suspense is caused by these story elements. One example of suspense in “The Monkey’s Paw” by Jacobs is created through setting. For example in the very beginning, it says “the night was cold and wet”, (Jacobs, 1). This example adds suspense because it sets the mood of the story and gives the story a gloomy and dark feel. Also, it is night and sometimes bad things can happen at night. Another example of suspense through setting is when a conversation starts amongst the Whites. Mr. White says “hark at the wind”, (Jacobs, 7). This is showing how the wind is loud and noisy. Lastly, when the Whites are talking about how they had to wait for Sergeant Major Morris because they live so far out with only one neighbor. This is showing suspense through waiting and with the waiting comes …show more content…

One example is when Sergeant Major Morris is chatting with the Whites, Morris says “If you keep it, don’t blame me for what happens” (Jacobs, 91). This is suspenseful and foreshadowing seeing something bad will happen and a reader does not quite know what. Herbert says after Mr. White makes the wish, “Well I don’t see the money...and I bet I never shall” (Jacobs, 134). This is foreshadowing Herbert’s death. This is suspenseful seeing Herbert says this as a joke, but later in the story when Herbert dies it seems more sinister. Lastly when Morris is telling the Whites about the paw he says the first person who had the paw on their third wish wished for death. This is foreshadowing and suspense seeing how whatever the first person’s two wishes were they had to very consequential if his last wish was for death. These examples state how suspense is created through

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