It Says………………………… I Say…………………………… And
THE MONKEY!S PAW: CHARACTER
Find a passage in your reading which reveals something about the personality of each of the
characters (It Says). In the second column, explain what personality trait you think is revealed in
this passage (I Say). In the final column, explain why/how you think this char- acter trait is
revealed.
It Says...
"Three times he paused at the gate, and then walked on again...and then with sudden res- olution
flung it open and walked up the path.”
I Say….
This passage reveals that visitor is a hesitant and nervous person. He knows he must ap- proach
the door, but faces an inner conflict.
And So...
The reader comes to learn that the visitor is nervous and hesitant because he must break the
terrible news of Herbert!s death to Mr. and Mrs. White.
It Says………………………… I Say…………………………… And
"Three times he paused at the This passage reveals that visitor The reader comes to learn
gate, and then walked on is a hesitant and nervous that the visitor is nervous and
again...and then with sudden person. He knows he must hesitant because he must
resolution flung it open and approach the door, but faces an break the terrible news of
walked up the path.” inner conflict. Herbert!s death to Mr. and
Mrs. White.
Mr. White This passage reveals that he is a greedy The reader comes to learn that Mr.
man. Although the monkey’s paw White's constant greed for monkey
“White, with a slight cry, stooped represented bad luck, he decided to use paws will be paid for by the bad luck
down and snatched it off. it to make a wish for himself. brought by monkey’s paws.
"Better let it burn," said the soldier
solemnly.
"If you don't want it, Morris," said the
old man, "give it to me."
Mrs. White This passage reveals that she is a The reader comes to learn that because
“Even his wife's face seemed changed caring person. Herbert's death caused the mother's love for her son made her
as he entered the room. It was white her strong longing for her son which lose control of her spirit, this broken
and expectant, and to his fears seemed makes her mental loss out of control. family will be dealt a heavy blow.
to have an unnatural look upon it. He
was afraid of her.
"Wish!" she cried, in a strong voice.
"It is foolish and wicked," he faltered.
"Wish!" repeated his wife. ”
Herbert This passage reveals that he is a person The reader comes to learn that this
who cares about his family. This implies that the Herbert's desire to
"Morris said the things happened so passage reflects his desire to protect protect his family will cause great
naturally," said his father, "that you his family and hopes his father will harm to the interests of monkey’s paw.
might if you so wished attribute it to stay away from this paw and put him This laid the foundation for his death.
coincidence." in a harmless position.
"Well, don't break into the money
before I come back," said Herbert, as
he rose from the table. "I'm afraid it'll
turn you into a mean, avaricious man,
and we shall have to disown you."
The Sergeant This passage reveals that he was a The reader comes to learn that he
manipulative and evil man, and didn't really care about the White’s
"I won't," said his friend doggedly. "I although he was warning them, he family, because he had been
threw it on the fire. If you keep it, didn't actually stop them and taught transmitting information about the
don't blame me for what happens. them how to use monkey‘s paw. monkey's paws, which they indirectly
Pitch it on the fire again, like a craved.
sensible man."
The other shook his head and
examined his new possession closely.
"How do you do it?" he inquired.
"Hold it up in your right hand and
wish aloud,' said the sergeant-major,
"but I warn you of the consequences."
