Writing Assignment Requirements

"The Monkey's Paw" is a chilling version of a three wishes tale that offers lessons in morality, but it distinguishes itself from other such tales through its aura of terror and suspense. The tale (a myth that includes supernatural events and ideas, often the details differ but the main point remains the same) takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride as the Whites are pushed to the brink of desperation, trying to reverse their wish and bring their son back from the dead.

Assignment: Writing a sequel to the "Monkey's Paw"

I.  Narrative Text-- Write a brief sequel to "The Monkey's Paw." For example, tell what happens when someone else gets the paw.

1.  Use a plot outline to plan your story so that events build on one another and create a satisfying whole.

2.  Try to capture the author's writing style. Use vivid details to describe events and create an appropriate tone.

3.  Use foreshadowing to build suspense.

4.  Add a flashback to help explain the characters' present actions. Flashbacks provide background information

5.  Use all vocabulary words from "The Monkey's Paw" in the narrative.

II.  Sounds: numerous sounds and noises echo through "The Monkey's Paw," from the wind at the beginning of the story to Mrs. White's long wail of disappointment at the end. As you write your sequel, thing about how sounds help to create mood.

III.  Plot: stages:

1.  Exposition: important background information about the characters (remember, every detail in the exposition plays a key role in the plot)

2.  Rising action: the author uses body language (Morris) and specific words (fate)to create tone in the story; foreshadowing is used to build tension and to help the plots action rise toward the climax; dialogue is used to move the plot along and create the rising action; tension continues to build as the characters struggle with one another because to the consequences from wishing

3.  Climax: the plot reaches its climax when the tension is at its highest point (when Mrs. White opens the door and nothing is there)

4.  Resolution: conflict is resolves

IV.  What point of view is "The Monkey's Paw" written in?

V.  Capitalize proper nouns correctly

VI.  Six traits focus: ideas, word choice, organization, sentence fluency, voice, conventions