Varied Sentence Length

STYLE STATION 1 INVERTED SENTENCE STRUCTURE, PARALLEL EPISODE, METAPHOR

Analyzing W.W. Jacobs’ style. Note: For some of these passages, you’ll need to look back in the story to put the quotes in context. BE SURE FOR EACH QUESTION YOU INCLUDE THE UNDERLINED STYLISTIC DEVICE ON YOUR PAPER – THESE ARE YOUR NOTES FOR ELEMENTS OF JACOBS’ STYLE.

1. Use of Inverted sentence structure: In his description of the gentleman pacing outside the Whites’ gate, Jacobs uses a technique called inverted sentence structure that reverses the regular word order of a sentence: “Three times he paused at the gate” (190). Why does Jacobs use this stylistic technique? What is the effect? (hint: What is Jacobs trying to get the reader to notice?)

2. Use of Parallel Episode (repeated events in a plot): Find 1 example of parallel episodes in this story. What is the effect on the reader?

3. Use of Metaphor: Think about how Jacobs uses vivid metaphors to describe the setting of the story, like the storm. The storm is so terrible that the “Pathway’s a bog, and the road’s a torrent” (186). There are many others, such as, “The road was a ribbon of moonlight”; and “a heart of stone.” What is the effect of these metaphors on the reader?

STYLE STATION 2 VARIED SENTENCE LENGTH, POINT OF VIEW, DESCRIPTIVE WORD CHOICE

1. Varied Sentence Length: How is the tension and suspense built up before the arrival of the man from Maw and Meggins (190)? Comment on the length of sentences (longer sentences are often more calming, whereas short sentences can create a sense of tension), language used, character’s reaction, and reader’s reaction. 2. Point of View: From which point of view is “The Monkey’s Paw” written? Why does the author choose this point of view?

3. Descriptive Word Choice/ Showing not telling: After Mr. White wishes for his son’s return (192), how does Jacobs describe Mr. White’s behavior? What can the reader infer about Mr. White’s state of mind?

STYLE STATION 3 CREATING SUSPENSE

Analyzing W.W. Jacobs’ style. Note: For some of these passages, you’ll need to look back in the story to put the quotes in context. BE SURE FOR EACH QUESTION YOU INCLUDE THE UNDERLINED STYLISTIC DEVICE ON YOUR PAPER – THESE ARE YOUR NOTES FOR ELEMENTS OF JACOBS’ STYLE. Creating Suspense (suspense is the feeling of growing uncertainty about the outcome of events in a plot)

1. When the man from Maw and Meggins arrives, how does the author create suspense and mood? Consider what he says (or doesn’t say), and the actual words he chooses.

2. Why does Mr. White say “it” and not “Herbert”: “For God’s sake don’t let it in,” cried the old man, trembling” (193). How does this help to create suspense?

3. The author does not reveal Mr. White’s third wish or Herbert’s appearance at the end of the story (see last paragraph). Why does this create suspense? Why is it more interesting to the reader’s imagination? STYLE STATION 7 CREATING MOOD

Analyzing Mood: 1. At the beginning of the story, Jacobs contrasts the comfortable, secure setting inside the White’s house with the stormy setting outdoors. List one quotes that reflects a setting of warmth, light, and happiness. Then list one quote that describes the outside at the beginning of the story. What is the impact on the reader? In other words, what is the mood? How does the setting create the mood for the reader?

2. How does the situation of the story create a mood?

3. (How does Jacobs use silence as a way to create mood? (hint: what happens to the moments of silence?) Provide an example from the story to support your answer (some examples can be found on p. 191&192).

4. Read the following passage and think about how he puts his words together to create a mood. What is the mood of this passage? Next, identify/write down any words that help create the mood:

“…and a horrible fear that his wish would bring his mangled son before him ere he could escape from the room seized upon him, and he caught his breath as he found he had lost the direction of the door. His brow cold with sweat, he felt his way around the table, and groped along the wall until he found himself in the small passage with the unwholesome thing in his hand” (192).

STYLE STATION 5 IRONY

Analyzing W.W. Jacobs’ style. Note: For some of these passages, you’ll need to look back in the story to put the quotes in context. BE SURE FOR EACH QUESTION YOU INCLUDE THE UNDERLINED STYLISTIC DEVICE ON YOUR PAPER – THESE ARE YOUR NOTES FOR ELEMENTS OF JACOBS’ STYLE. 1. Situational Irony (when something happens that is not the expected outcome) a. When Mrs. White first sees the stranger, why does she think he has come? Why is this ironic (think about why this news is not what they expected)?

b. What is ironic about the amount of money given to the Whites following the accident?

c. What is ironic about the setting being described at the start of section 2?

d. Can you find any other types of irony in the story? (Verbal? Dramatic?) STYLE STATION 6 FORESHADOWING

1. Foreshadowing (hinting at future events or how characters will change later in the story) a. Now that you have read the story, look back at Herbert White’s (the son) comment on p. 189: “Well, I don’t see the money,” said his son, as he picked it up and placed it on the table, “and I bet I never shall.” How does this foreshadow Herbert’s fate? Why is it also ironic?

b. Sergeant Major Morris tells the White family that the first owner of the paw had all 3 wishes granted (187). He isn’t sure what the first two wishes were, but the third was for death. What does this foreshadow? c. What other things does the sergeant major say that foreshadow, or hint at, the Whites’ fate?

STYLE STATION 4 Compare/Contrast Author Style

Remember, the elements that create an author’s style are his/her use of literary elements, sentence structure, word choice, and the author’s voice.

1. Discuss and summarize Jacobs’ stylistic elements that truly define him as a writer. What makes his writing unique and interesting?

2. Now, look back at “The Tell-Tale Heart” to refresh your memory of Edgar Allan Poe’s style. 3. Next, find ONE TO TWO PASSAGES from “The Monkey’s Paw.” Next find ONE TO TWO PASSAGES FROM one of Poe’s stories (“The Tell-Tale Heart” or “The Black Cat”). Copy these down exactly, including the page numbers.

4. Next, after discussing first as a team, write a paragraph that compares/contrasts Poe’s style to Jacobs’ style. How are their styles similar? How are they different? Be specific and refer to specific words and phrases in the passages you have chosen. Practice with Jacobs’ Style:

Choice 1: Rewrite the ending. Assume that Mr. White opens the door and Herbert is outside. Describe what he looks like and what happens. Do they speak to each other? What happens after that? Does Mr. White make a third wish? What is it? Is there a consequence (positive or negative) for that wish? What is it? MINIMUM ONE PAGE DOUBLE-SPACED MLA FORMAT.

Choice 2: Continue the story. What happens to the paw after Mr. White makes his last wish? Does he give it away (If so, to whom?) Does he try to destroy it? (If so, is he successful?) Is there a consequence (positive or negative) for the granting of the third wish? What is it? MINIMUM ONE PAGE DOUBLE-SPACED MLA FORMAT.

FOR EITHER CHOICE, YOU MUST USE THE BELOW ELEMENTS AND ELEMENTS OF JACOB’S STYLE (SEE STYLE STATION RESPONSES FOR EXAMPLES): REQUIRED LITERARY ELEMENTS:  Establish mood  Establish a setting that creates a mood  Create suspense  Use foreshadowing REQUIRED STYLE ELEMENTS  Use descriptive, vivid word choice (showing not telling)  Use inverted sentence structure once  Use one metaphor  Use varied sentence length (long, descriptive sentences, vs. short, choppy ones)  Use one example of irony  YOU MUST HIGHLIGHT AND LABEL ALL REQUIRED STYLE ELEMENTS.

Practice with Jacobs’ Style: Choice 1: Rewrite the ending. Assume that Mr. White opens the door and Herbert is outside. Describe what he looks like and what happens. Do they speak to each other? What happens after that? Does Mr. White make a third wish? What is it? Is there a consequence (positive or negative) for that wish? What is it? MINIMUM ONE PAGE DOUBLE-SPACED MLA FORMAT.

Choice 2: Continue the story. What happens to the paw after Mr. White makes his last wish? Does he give it away (If so, to whom?) Does he try to destroy it? (If so, is he successful?) Is there a consequence (positive or negative) for the granting of the third wish? What is it? MINIMUM ONE PAGE DOUBLE-SPACED MLA FORMAT.

FOR EITHER CHOICE, YOU MUST USE THE BELOW ELEMENTS AND ELEMENTS OF JACOB’S STYLE (SEE STYLE STATION RESPONSES FOR EXAMPLES):

REQUIRED LITERARY ELEMENTS:  Establish mood  Establish a setting that creates a mood  Create suspense  Use foreshadowing REQUIRED STYLE ELEMENTS  Use descriptive, vivid word choice (showing not telling)  Use inverted sentence structure once  Use one metaphor  Use varied sentence length (long, descriptive sentences, vs. short, choppy ones)  Use one example of irony  YOU MUST HIGHLIGHT AND LABEL ALL REQUIRED STYLE ELEMENTS.

Limerick?

Compare/contrast

The Landlady vs. Monkey’s Paw

Characters Style Plot Mood