The Monkey's Paw (short story)

"The Monkey's Paw" is a short story by W.W. Jacobs that explores themes of fate, greed, and the unintended consequences of tampering with destiny. The narrative follows the White family, who come into possession of a magical monkey's paw that grants three wishes. Despite their initial excitement, each wish leads to tragic and unforeseen outcomes, highlighting the dangers of wanting to control fate. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of wish fulfillment and the idea that some things are better left unchanged. Ultimately, it warns against the dangers of desire and the limits of human control.