When they first see the monkey's paw, Mrs. White is repulsed, while her son examines it "curiously." Skeptically, Mr. White looks at it disspasionately and places it upon a table. They iincredulously laugh at the explanation of the paw's powers. Ironically, it is the skeptical Mr. White who retrieves the paw from the fire into which the sergeant major, its possessor, has cast it.
Then, when instructed on how to make use of the powers of the paw, Mrs. White 0jests, "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for me?" so she can easily do housework. After the old soldier leaves, Herbert is rather doubtful as to the powers of the paw in light of the veracity of other stories told that night. As they doubtfully consider their wishes, the father is ashamed of his "own credulity," his son winks at the mother as Mr. White wishes for two hundred pounds. Herbert "frivolously" plays the piano in mockery, but the father cries out as the paw moves. Herbert gazes into fire and feels a premonition.
The next day, the family continues their jokes about the paw's powers yet entertaining half a belief. The unfortunate wish is granted; Herbert is dead and a compensation made. Ten days later, the distraught mother in desperate belief has her husband wish him alive. "It is foolish and wicked," declares Mr. White. Herbert returns in his last state: mangled. Horrified, they make the third wish.
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