The Monkeys Paw

Compare and contrast

Comparing and contrasting “The Monkeys Paw” by W.W Jacobs, you must look at every detail and the way it is presented. With a closer look, we can see many similarities and differences. The play relies mostly on dialogue between characters, while the short story predominately uses descriptive language and a third person omniscient point of view. There is a definite alteration in language such as the use of large words to describe the actions that are taking place. There is more descriptive language in the story because you have to imagine what the people’s actions are The short story describes much of the dialogue as opposed to writing it out such as “…spoke of strange scenes and doughty deeds, of wars and plagues and strange peoples.” (Pg. 196 ww Jacobs)

In the short story there are more sensory details. They go into new detail in the story. They do not need excess detail in the play dramatized by Mara Rockliff because they are showing the story visually. In a play, certain actors play certain parts. So they show the actions instead of having you imagine them. It is a very interesting comparison to discover.

There are also many similarities between the short story and the play. The plot remains the same. The version the class read is just an excerpt, but so far it is the same plot. The names of the characters are identical also. Some of the dialogue is similar as well, with similar interaction between characters. The son and the father are playing chess in the play and the short story.

The setting of the story is unchanged. It is still a dreary night in a small parlor with a fire blazing in the fire place ,as it says in the short story “Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlor of Lakesnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly.” (Pg.196 Jacobs) The use of the monkey’s paw remains the same also. It still provides only three wishes.

The play and the short story were...