Question

Students are divided into two groups. Students debate the motion:

People have no control over the events in their lives. Each speaker gets to express his/her viewpoint for a minute. The teacher moderates the discussion with points being posted on the board for easy reference.

‘The Monkey’s Paw’ is a macabre story. It is neatly contrived and is capable of inducing us to suspend our disbelief so long as we are in the world of make-believe. The dramatized version of the story has become very popular with amateur performers.

Answer 1

Group 1: For the motion

Many events in life are beyond our control. We cannot always prevent accidents, illness, loss, or unexpected changes, however carefully we plan. In The Monkey’s Paw, the Whites cannot control Herbert’s fatal accident or the tragic consequences of their wishes. The story suggests that fate may be stronger than human hopes.

Group 2: Against the motion

Although we cannot control every event, we can control many of our choices and responses. The Whites choose to use the paw despite Morris’s warning. Their decisions bring them temporary hope but also deepen their suffering. We may not command fate, but we can act thoughtfully, take precautions, and decide how to respond to difficulties.