Fatalism (Monkeys Paw Shory Story)

Julie Cardenas September 20th, 2006

In literature we often find themes that can be related to real life. "The Monkey's Paw", a short work, uses the theme of Fatalism to drive the story. However, this is a fictional work and Fate has no relevance in life.

It is not difficult to see why people believe in destiny when movies, and books, use the romance of fate to sell their product. People have always emulated what's popular, and when the idea of fate is being pushed into scripts and stories people begin to blur the line between fiction and reality. In "The Monkey's Paw", the author makes the characters fear interfering with their destinies. If people were to refrain from trying to change their futures, then our society would be one in which no one would strive for self improvement, leading to an unprosperous human population.

By giving a credence to fate we impose that we, as individuals, are incapable of making decisions for ourselves. People may also use their belief in Fate as an excuse for failing to change certain events. If one believes that everything happens because of a greater force, they will be unable to see the potential within themselves. The enchanted paw in the story doesn't determine the future of it's owners, rather it assists them in changing their lives. Even though the changes that happened to the White's were detrimental and lead to calamity, the occurrences should not be credited to the paw but should be looked upon as a result of the selections made by the family. Everything that occurs in this story can be traced back to human decisions, thereby proving that no outside forces controlled the outcome of events. The belief that greater powers determine events in life undermines the achievements and influence that humans have made in this world.

Many people believe that natural occurrences such as death are