The Book Worm
The newsletter for book lovers- The Monkeys Paw Edition
A Little Bit About W.W. Jacobs
W.W. Jacobs was raised in London, England in 1863. After college he began working at a post office. Though his road to success was slow, he has become a well-known author. He has written the Monkeys Paw, but, shockingly most of his work is of the humorous tone. He has also published a book titled Light Freights and The Lady of the Barge full of short stories. He died in 1943.
An Alternate Ending
"Go get the paw!"screams the wife. " I want to wish my Herbert back". " No! Are you ludicrous that thing has done enough damage without you to be horsing around with it again" said the husband ,infuriated and apprehensive of what could happen " I don't care" said the wife " I want him home". She darts out the door before he can stop her.
Down stairs the wife is rustling in the dark to find the paw. She trips over the rug and falls into the fireplace, she has died. Minutes later the husband comes down to find her, in mourning he takes the paw and wishes that he have a different family, a different life, and that none of this would have happened.
Sad that nothing has happened and still in great denial the man goes back to bed to try to pretend like nothing happened. He lies awake rethinking everything that has happened. He falls asleep and wakes up in a prison cell. He has been told a new identity a run- away slave during the Revolutionary War. He must live the rest of his life a prisoner to the Patriots. With little lack of food he eventually dies.
Sitting on the mantel glows the monkeys paw in the darkness of the night, still holding a single wish that never got granted. For some day someone will find it, have a wish and who could tell what will happen.
Other Great Horror Stories To Read
- The Tell Tale Heart
- Alone
- The Haunted Palace
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow