How does Mr White change in the monkeys paw?

Characterisation of Mr and Mrs White

In this section of the study guide, you can read the traits of Mrs and Mr White from “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs.

Mr White

Mr White is a developing character in the short story as he is affected by the action and changes as a result of it. In the beginning, he is a curious man, tempted to test the magic of the monkey paw. But, after he sees the effects of his actions, he repents and tries to make things right. However, it is unclear how much of his attempt to make things right is because of his own fears.

His outer characterisation presents Mr White as a married man with a “thin grey beard”, the father of Herbert and with a 200 pound mortgage on his house.

Inner characterisation

The man’s inner characterisation first reveals that he is not happy living in an isolated place: “of all the beastly, slushy, out-of-the-way places to live in, this is the worst.".

Mr White also craves excitement, as he wants to see and experience new things, fascinated by his friend’s stories about India: “"I'd like to go to India myself," said the old man, "just to look round a bit, you know."”; “"I should like to see those old temples and fakirs and jugglers," said the old man.”

Furthermore, he is attracted by the bizarre; he is curious about Morris’ monkey paw and he even rescues it from the fire, although the Major warns him about the consequences of using it:

White, with a slight cry, stooped down and snatched it off.
"Better let it burn," said the soldier, solemnly.
"If you don't want it, Morris," said the other, "give it to me."

Mr White is also a fair man as he decides to give some money to Morris for keeping the paw although the man did not request anything: “"A trifle," said he, colouring slightly.  "He didn't want it, but I made him take it.  And he pressed me again to throw it away."”

When it comes to the way Mr White relates to the newly acquired paw, he appears to be slightly curious, but at the same time content with his life: “Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously.  "I don't know what to wish for, and that's a fact," he said, slowly.  "It seems to me I've got all I want."”

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Mrs White

Mrs White’s outer characterisation reveals that she is Mr White’s wife and Herbert’s mother, a “white-haired old lady”.

Inner characterisation

Her inner characterisation presents her as equally curious and attracted by the alleged magic of the monkey paw: ‘"And did you really have the three wishes granted?" asked Mrs White.”; “"Sounds like the Arabian Nights," said Mrs White, as she rose and began to set the supper.”

Although she also tries to mock the powers of the monkey paw and shows her scepticism, she is in fact, the character who seems to want most for the talisman to be effective: “"I suppose all old soldiers are the same," said Mrs. White.  "The idea of our listening to such nonsense! How could wishes be granted in these days? And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you, father?"”; “…was very happy at the expense of her husband's credulity.  All of which did not prevent her from scurrying to the door at the postman's knock, nor prevent her from referring somewhat shortly to retired sergeant-majors…”

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