Monkey's Paw vs. Will

Attribute	Monkey's Paw	Will
Genre	Horror	Drama
Theme	Fate and consequences	Family and relationships
Setting	Rural England	Contemporary New York City
Protagonist	The White family	Will Truman
Antagonist	The Monkey's Paw	Internal conflicts

Plot

Monkey's Paw is a short story by W.W. Jacobs that revolves around a magical monkey's paw that grants three wishes to its owner. However, each wish comes with dire consequences, leading to tragedy for the family that possesses it. On the other hand, Will is a novel by Will Smith that follows the life of a young man named Will who navigates the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood in Philadelphia. The story explores themes of family, friendship, and personal growth.

Characters

In Monkey's Paw, the main characters are Mr. and Mrs. White and their son Herbert. Mr. White is a cautious and skeptical man, while Mrs. White is more superstitious and eager to use the monkey's paw to make wishes. Herbert is a young man who is curious about the paw's powers. In Will, the protagonist is the titular character, a teenager who dreams of becoming a successful rapper. Will's mother, grandmother, and friends also play significant roles in shaping his journey.

Themes

Both Monkey's Paw and Will explore themes of fate and the consequences of one's actions. In Monkey's Paw, the characters' wishes lead to tragic outcomes, highlighting the idea that one must be careful what they wish for. Similarly, Will grapples with the consequences of his decisions and learns valuable lessons about responsibility and accountability. Both stories also touch on the importance of family and the impact of one's upbringing on their future.

Setting

Monkey's Paw is set in a small English village in the early 20th century, creating a sense of isolation and foreboding. The story takes place primarily in the White family's home, adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere as the consequences of their wishes unfold. On the other hand, Will is set in the bustling city of Philadelphia, with its vibrant street culture and diverse neighborhoods. The urban setting provides a backdrop for Will's coming-of-age journey and the challenges he faces in pursuing his dreams.

Conflict

In Monkey's Paw, the main conflict arises from the family's decision to use the monkey's paw to make wishes, despite warnings about its dark powers. As each wish leads to tragedy, the characters must confront the consequences of their actions. In Will, the conflict stems from the protagonist's struggle to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals, both in his personal life and in his pursuit of a music career. Will must navigate challenges such as poverty, violence, and self-doubt as he strives to make a better life for himself.

Resolution

Monkey's Paw ends with a tragic twist as the family realizes the true cost of their wishes and the paw's power. The story leaves readers with a sense of unease and the idea that some things are better left untouched. In contrast, Will's journey ends on a more hopeful note as the protagonist learns valuable lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Will's story serves as a reminder that with determination and support from loved ones, one can overcome even the toughest challenges.