"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions

Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
• Analyze the author’s word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization
• Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization
• Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions
• Find deeper meaning in a given allusion
• Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue
• Explore how complex characters think and interact
• Determine the function of a given detail
• Examine details that represent a shift in tone
• Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism
• Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief
• Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White
• Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details
• Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision