These two similar short stories have an outrageous background. The first short story we read was called “The Monkeys Paw”, written by W. W. Jacobs. The second short story we read was called “The Leap”, written by Louise Erdich. In the Monkeys Paw, the White family deals with death and wishes granted by a devious magical spell. In the Leap, A family deals with death and a crazy, dangerous, more realistic situation. The two types of writing are Reflective essay and short story. As the readers enjoy these two amazing short stories, they will discover that anything is possible.
The mood for these two stories would have to be suspenseful. They share a common foreshadow also. “The Monkeys Paw”, Herbert’s death. (38) In “The Leap”, Anna’s ability to save herself during the storm (48, 49).
The Monkeys Paw includes a verbal irony. “Well, I don’t see the money, said Herbert, and I never shall (36).
The Leap includes a motif, which includes thunder, lighting, falling, and rolling of drums (48, 54).
Mr. White and Anna share a similar internal conflict, but have a different external conflict.
In the Monkeys Paw, Mr. White chooses whether or not to make a wish (32).
In the Leap, Anna needs to save Louise from the fire (52, 54).
The external conflict for the Monkeys Paw would be the monkeys spell. This puts the White family through a rough time. The Leap external conflict would be Anna VS the storm (48, 50).
These different conflicts are what make the story. These two stories share common themes. The Monkeys Paw theme is “Fate ruled the people’s lives and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow” (34).
The Leap theme includes, appreciate your family and what they have done for you. The readers will discover some differences in these themes. The Monkeys Paw deals with wishes and spells. The Leap deals with struggles and appreciation from family and strangers. These two themes give you a better understanding of what the author is trying to express to readers. Not only does these two great stories share a similar propose, however they also differ in many outrageous ways. These stories include how good things can turn into bad things, but just have faith and appreciate one another.
Struggles are made, but happiness arrives. Techniques are discovered and literary elements are found. The readers will discover that life is too short. It’s important to be happy with the life you have. No matter how good or bad the reader’s life is, it’s up to the reader to make something out of it. Stories may relate to readers or their situations that could really go on in the real life. Hopefully readers enjoy reading these short stories based on the similarity and differences.