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Greed In The Monkey's Paw And The Third Wish

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Greed In The Monkey's Paw And The Third Wish
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs and “The Third Wish” by Joan Aiken vastly incorporate the element of theme throughout the course of the story. For example, “The Monkey’s Paw” illustrates the consequences of greed. For instance, the Whites were given the opportunity to make three wishes with the monkey’s paw. With this, the family wished for two hundred pounds, in hopes of clearing their house. “‘I wish for two hundred pounds,’ said the old man distinctly” (Jacobs 109). Wishing for money proves that the Whites are greedy and only hope for fortune. The family’s cupidity resulted in Herbert's death, proving that acquisitive behaviors are followed by negative outcomes. Another theme emphasized throughout the story in the inevitability of fate.

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