Question

Answer in about 150 words.

“Our-great-loss-”. What is the loss? How has it been caused? What would they do to make up the loss?

Answer 1

The Whites’ great loss is the death of their only son, Herbert. While telling his fellow workers a story, Herbert is distracted and is caught by the machinery at the electrical works. He is killed in the accident. The company expresses its sympathy and offers the parents £ 200 as compensation, in consideration of Herbert’s services. This money fulfils Mr. White’s wish, but it cannot truly make up for the loss of their son. The couple’s grief is too deep to be eased by compensation. Later, Mrs. White uses the monkey’s paw to wish Herbert alive again, but Mr. White fears what might return after ten days in the grave. When the knocking at the door suggests that Herbert may be there, Mr. White makes his final wish for his son to be dead and at peace. The story shows that no amount of money can replace a loved one.