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The Journey from India

The Monkey's Paw

This thread follows how Sergeant-Major Morris’s travels and experiences become the route by which the paw enters the Whites’ lives.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
A Veteran ReturnsA Veteran Returns from "The Monkey's Paw". A Veteran Returns Years Away Sergeant-Major Morris returns after twenty-one years abroad and is greeted as an old acquaintance. Mr.
A Veteran Returns Years Away Sergeant-Major Morris returns after twenty-one years abroad and is greeted as an old acquaintance. Mr. White remembers him as a young warehouse worker before his travels. Stories from Distance Morris talks of wars, plagues, and unfamiliar peoples. His experiences give authority and mystery to his account of India and the paw.
India ImaginedIndia Imagined from "The Monkey's Paw". India Imagined Mr. White’s Curiosity Mr. White says he would like to see India and asks Morris about the paw.
India Imagined Mr. White’s Curiosity Mr. White says he would like to see India and asks Morris about the paw. His curiosity is directed toward travel and spectacle rather than danger. Morris’s Caution Morris replies that Mr. White is better where he is. The warning suggests that the veteran’s knowledge has made him cautious about what distant experience brought him.
The Fakir’s LessonThe Fakir’s Lesson from "The Monkey's Paw". The Fakir’s Lesson A Deliberate Enchantment Morris says an old fakir enchanted The monkey’s paw to show that Fate rules human lives.
The Fakir’s Lesson A Deliberate Enchantment Morris says an old fakir enchanted The monkey’s paw to show that Fate rules human lives. The lesson cautions against interference rather than promising uncomplicated good fortune. Three Wishers The spell grants three wishes to each of three men. This defined limit makes the paw seem like a system, although its consequences remain unknowable.
Morris’s ExperienceMorris’s Experience from "The Monkey's Paw". Morris’s Experience Wishes Already Used Morris confirms that he has made his three wishes.
Morris’s Experience Wishes Already Used Morris confirms that he has made his three wishes. His blotched face turns pale as he acknowledges the power of the object. A Final Plea He refuses to name the first two wishes and says the first owner used his third wish for death. His reticence implies a painful history without spelling it out.
The Relic Passed OnThe Relic Passed On from "The Monkey's Paw". The Relic Passed On Reluctant Transfer Morris throws the paw into the fire, but Mr. White retrieves it and asks to keep it.
The Relic Passed On Reluctant Transfer Morris throws the paw into the fire, but Mr. White retrieves it and asks to keep it. Their friendship allows the object to pass hands despite Morris’s insistence. A Warning Travels With It Morris tells Mr. White not to blame him for what happens. He departs, leaving his warning behind with the paw.
the evening Morris visits Laburnam Villa
during the conversation by the fire
later in Morris’s account that evening
after Morris recounts the paw’s history
at the close of Morris’s visit