1. Foreshadowing and Hints of the Supernatural:
* The Monkey's Paw's Origins: The story opens with a sense of mystery surrounding the paw's origins, with Sergeant-Major Morris describing it as an object of "evil." This immediately sets an ominous tone.
* The Warnings: Morris repeatedly warns against using the paw, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of wishing. These warnings create a sense of impending doom.
* The Bizarre Events: Even before the first wish is made, the story introduces unusual occurrences like the cat's sudden disappearance, further adding to the unsettling atmosphere.
2. Building Tension Through Wishes:
* The Gradual Escalation: The wishes become progressively more significant and dangerous, moving from a simple desire for money to the resurrection of the dead. This escalation heightens the suspense as the stakes keep rising.
* The Unforeseen Consequences: Each wish comes with unforeseen and dire consequences. The money leads to the son's death, and the resurrection brings back a monstrous, unrecognizable version of the deceased. This constant element of surprise keeps the reader on edge.
* The Climax of the Final Wish: The final wish, to undo the previous wish, is fraught with dread. The uncertainty of its outcome and the sheer desperation of the situation push the tension to its peak.
3. Atmosphere and Setting:
* The Drab and Isolated Setting: The story takes place in a gloomy, isolated house on a cold night, creating a sense of confinement and claustrophobia.
* The Sounds and Images: Jacobs uses vivid imagery like the "clicking of the clock" and the "heavy tread" of footsteps to enhance the suspense.
* The Use of Darkness: The story is filled with references to darkness, shadows, and the unseen, adding to the sense of the unknown and making the reader feel vulnerable.
4. Psychological Tension:
* The Internal Conflict: The characters are constantly torn between their desires and their fears, making their choices seem both understandable and foolish. This internal struggle creates a sense of psychological tension.
* The Sense of Powerlessness: The characters are ultimately powerless to control the consequences of their wishes, leaving them at the mercy of fate. This helplessness adds to the suspense and amplifies the reader's anxiety.
5. Unanswered Questions:
* The Mystery of the Paw's Origins: The story never fully explains the nature of the paw or its source, leaving room for speculation and contributing to the sense of unease.
* The Ultimate Fate of the Characters: The ending leaves the fate of the characters ambiguous, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of dread and uncertainty.
By combining these elements, W.W. Jacobs masterfully builds suspense in "The Monkey's Paw," creating a chilling and unforgettable story that continues to captivate readers even today.