Gothic literature is a genre known for its dark themes, emotional intensity, and exploration of the supernatural. It often delves into the horrors of the human condition, blending the macabre with the psychological. One of the most famous examples of Gothic fiction is W.W. Jacobs’ short story The Monkey’s Paw, which masterfully incorporates many of the defining elements of the genre. In this article, we’ll explore three key elements of Gothic literature found within The Monkey’s Paw: the supernatural, the theme of fate versus free will, and the atmosphere of dread and foreboding.
1. The Supernatural
A hallmark of Gothic literature is its use of the supernatural to unsettle and provoke fear in readers. The supernatural element in The Monkey’s Paw is immediately apparent with the titular artifact—a cursed monkey’s paw that has the power to grant three wishes, but at a terrible cost. The paw is introduced as an object of both fascination and warning. The idea of an object granting wishes is a common trope in folklore, but Jacobs twists this familiar narrative into a terrifying reflection on the consequences of tampering with fate.
The supernatural aspect is not confined merely to the paw itself; it also manifests in the strange and ominous events that follow its use. When Mr. White wishes for £200, he is unaware of the terrible price he will pay. The story unfolds with eerie precision, as the reader begins to realize that the supernatural forces at work are beyond the control of the characters. The fact that the paw’s power has a malevolent twist gives the story its Gothic edge. The paw is not a magical object that can bring happiness but one that unleashes grief and despair.
Jacobs’ use of the supernatural in this story reflects a key element of Gothic literature: the unknown and the uncanny. In many Gothic works, supernatural occurrences or objects serve as a way to confront human vulnerabilities and fears, often emphasizing that our attempts to control destiny can have catastrophic consequences.
2. Fate Versus Free Will
The tension between fate and free will is a central theme in many Gothic works, and The Monkey’s Paw is no exception. The story explores the destructive consequences of trying to alter fate. Mr. White, the protagonist, believes that he can manipulate fate by using the paw to fulfill his wishes. At first, he is hesitant, aware of the warnings given by the paw’s previous owner, but his desire for wealth—and later, his grief—overcome his doubts.
This conflict between fate and free will is underscored by the tragic irony of the story. Each of the wishes granted by the paw leads to a tragic outcome, despite the fact that the Whites had hoped for a better life. The first wish for £200 results in the death of their son, Herbert, who dies in a work accident. The second wish, made out of desperation to bring Herbert back to life, leads to his return in a form that is grotesque and unnatural. The third and final wish, made in a panicked attempt to undo the horror of the second, brings an end to the nightmare, but at the cost of everything they had hoped for.
The theme of fate versus free will is a powerful element of Gothic literature because it questions the extent to which individuals have control over their own lives. In The Monkey’s Paw, the characters’ attempts to change their destiny only lead to misfortune, reinforcing the idea that fate is an immutable force. The story suggests that human desires and ambitions, when unchecked, can lead to ruin, which is a theme explored in many classic Gothic tales where characters are often caught in forces beyond their control.
3. Atmosphere of Dread and Foreboding
Gothic literature is renowned for its ability to create an atmosphere of dread and foreboding, where the setting and tone work together to induce feelings of unease and terror. In The Monkey’s Paw, Jacobs masterfully builds an eerie atmosphere through his descriptions of the White family’s home, the events surrounding the paw, and the sense of impending doom that pervades the story.
The opening scene of The Monkey’s Paw takes place on a stormy night, a setting that is typical of Gothic literature. The storm outside is symbolic of the turmoil and danger that will soon unfold. Inside the White family’s home, there is a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The atmosphere becomes increasingly tense as the paw’s powers are revealed. The mood of the story shifts from one of curiosity and skepticism to one of dread and regret. This shift is particularly noticeable when Mr. White, after making his first wish, is haunted by the implications of his actions.
The second part of the story is filled with palpable tension as the family waits for Herbert to return. The fear and uncertainty about what might come back with him—if anything—builds an oppressive atmosphere. The description of Herbert’s resurrection, though not directly detailed, is haunting enough to convey the unnatural horror of the situation. The sense of dread culminates in the final moments when Mrs. White desperately tries to open the door, believing her son has returned, only to be thwarted by her husband’s last wish.
The foreboding atmosphere in The Monkey’s Paw is a quintessential element of Gothic fiction. Jacobs uses mood, setting, and pacing to create a sense of inevitable tragedy, ensuring that the reader feels the same helplessness and despair as the characters. The dark, oppressive atmosphere builds throughout the story, reinforcing the idea that tampering with fate and the supernatural leads to irreversible consequences.
Conclusion
The Monkey’s Paw is a classic example of Gothic literature, skillfully blending supernatural elements, the theme of fate versus free will, and an atmosphere of dread to create a chilling tale of unintended consequences. The story not only explores the destructive potential of desires that seek to alter the natural course of events but also emphasizes the fragility of human life and the dangers of meddling with forces beyond comprehension.
By weaving these key elements of Gothic fiction into his narrative, W.W. Jacobs invites readers into a world where the supernatural is all too real, fate is inescapable, and the atmosphere is thick with dread. The lasting impact of The Monkey’s Paw lies in its ability to provoke reflection on the consequences of our actions, the limits of human control, and the deep-rooted fears that exist within us all.