GSEB Class 12 English Solutions Unit 7 Read 1 Monkey’s Paw

Comprehension

Question 1. Draw a straight line under the sentences you felt happy about and a zigzag line under the sentences you felt unhappy about.
Answer:

Felt happy	Felt unhappy
1. Sergeant Morris, a family friend was back from India.	1. Sergeant threw the paw upon the fire.
2. The family was mesmerized by Morris's description of India.	2. Sergeant said that Mr White could have the paw at his own risk.
3. Mr White retrieved the paw.	3. She caught her breath. She put her trembling hand on her husband's.
4. I wish my son alive again.	4. The stranger expressed grief and handed over an envelope.
5. He made his third and last wish.	5. Mr White became unconscious.
6. The street lamp was spreading its light over a calm and empty road.	6. Though his wish was granted he had lost his son.
	7. Don't let it in, for God's sake.
	8. He made.

In simple words: This exercise requires classifying sentences from the story based on whether they evoke a feeling of happiness or unhappiness. Students need to identify positive and negative events or statements from the narrative.

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately categorizing events as happy or unhappy demonstrates a strong comprehension of the story's emotional arc and key plot points. Pay attention to the context of each sentence.

Question 2. Join the pairs.
Answer:
The correct pairings are:
1. Sergeant - has come back from India.
2. A fakir - put a spell on the monkey's paw.
3. Mr White - wanted to try the monkey's paw.
4. Herbert - was no more.
5. A stranger - brought a sad news.
In simple words: This task involves matching elements from two columns to form correct statements about the story's characters and events, testing recall and understanding of key plot details.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, read all items in both columns before making any connections. Eliminate obvious matches first to simplify the remaining choices, ensuring accuracy in pairing narrative elements.

Question 3. Replace the underlined words with the Read using a dictionary. Give words in reasons for the statements
Answer:
(1) The family was **mesmerized** because of the description Morris provided about India.
(2) The old man gave the couple a **compensation** amount because Mr. White had wished for £ 200 while holding the monkey's paw.
(3) Mr. White became **unconscious** upon confirmation that he had received the wished-for amount.
(4) Herbert's body had **decayed beyond recognition** because he had been deceased for ten days.
(5) Mr. White was **shivering** in fear after requesting his second wish, as he did not want to permit the (ghost) entry.
(6) They rushed toward the ground and **sighed in disappointment** because the house began collapsing.
In simple words: This exercise focuses on vocabulary, requiring you to find appropriate synonyms for specific words within sentences and explain the contextual reasons for their use, demonstrating both language proficiency and story comprehension.

🎯 Exam Tip: When replacing words, ensure the chosen synonym not only matches the meaning but also fits the context and tone of the original sentence. Justifying your choices shows deeper analytical skills.

Question 4. Say whether the sentences are T (True) or F (False).
Answer:
(1) Sergeant Morris did not like India. - False
(2) It was a very cold season when Morris visited the Whites. - True
(3) Sergeant Morris gifted the paw to the whites. - False
(4) Mr White's first wish was fulfilled by the magical paw. - True
(5) Herbert is alive at the end of the story. - False
(6) Mr White saved further loss by his third wish. - True
(7) Interfering with fate only caused deep sadness in the life of the Whites. - True
(8) Sergeant Morris put a spell on the paw. - False
In simple words: This task requires evaluating several statements based on the story's narrative to determine if they are factually correct (True) or incorrect (False).

🎯 Exam Tip: Read each statement carefully and cross-reference it with your understanding of the story's events. Pay close attention to details, as a single word can change the truthfulness of a statement.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks to show the ugly sad effects of the action /wish.
Answer:

Actions	Consequence
1st wish Mr White wished for £ 200.	Herbert, Mr White's son, died.
2nd Wish Mr White wished that his son was alive again.	The son returned to his wife, but the building was on the verge of collapsing.
3rd Wish Mr White refused the second wish.	The wish was fulfilled, preventing the return of his decayed son.

In simple words: This table illustrates the direct, unfortunate outcomes resulting from each wish made with the monkey's paw, highlighting the story's theme of unintended consequences.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing cause and effect in a story, clearly identify the action and its immediate, significant consequence. This helps in understanding the narrative's progression and underlying messages.

Answer The Following Questions:

Question 1. Why did Sergeant-Major throw the monkey's paw in the fire ?
Answer: Sergeant-Major was aware that the monkey's paw had a history of causing catastrophe and had already brought about numerous misfortunes, which is why he tossed it into the fire.
In simple words: He threw the paw into the fire because he knew it was dangerous and had caused many problems already.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding character motivations, especially for actions like discarding a magical item, reveals critical plot information and foresight within the narrative. Focus on the character's past experiences with the item.

Question 2. How did Mr White test the power of the magical paw?
Answer: To evaluate the magical capabilities of the paw, Mr. White expressed a wish to receive £ 200.
In simple words: Mr. White tested the paw's power by wishing for £ 200.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying the first instance a character uses a magical item is crucial, as it often sets the tone for the entire conflict and reveals the character's initial intentions or skepticism.

Question 3. What happened to Herbert ? How did the couple come to know that?
Answer: Herbert, employed by Maw and Meggins, suffered a fatal injury. A servant was dispatched to convey this unfortunate news to the couple, marking the fulfillment of their wish.
In simple words: Herbert was severely injured and died at his workplace, and his parents were informed by a company servant.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognizing the direct consequences of wishes, especially tragic ones, is key to grasping the central theme of 'be careful what you wish for'. Note the messenger and the context of the news delivery.

Question 4. Sergeant-Major Morris told Mr White to make wishes sensibly. Why?
Answer: Whenever a wish was granted, the outcome was consistently calamitous. Therefore, the sergeant advised Mr. White to exercise caution and make his wishes judiciously.
In simple words: The sergeant told Mr. White to wish carefully because every wish made with the paw led to disastrous results.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character advice, especially warnings about supernatural elements, often foreshadows future events and highlights important moral or thematic lessons in a story. Pay attention to warnings as they signify potential danger.

Question 5. Do you think the second wish made by the Whites came true?
Answer: Indeed, the second wish articulated by Mr. White was actualized.
In simple words: Yes, Mr. White's second wish did come true.

🎯 Exam Tip: Confirming the fulfillment of wishes helps trace the story's plot development and evaluate the direct impact of supernatural intervention on the characters' lives.

Question 6. What did Mr White wish for in the end?
Answer: Ultimately, Mr. White's final wish was for the safety and protection of his residence, likely by nullifying his second wish.
In simple words: In the end, Mr. White wished for his house to be safe, probably by cancelling his previous wish for Herbert to return.

🎯 Exam Tip: The final wish often serves as a climactic resolution or a desperate attempt to mitigate past errors, revealing the character's ultimate fear or desire for redemption. Identify the precise nature of this concluding wish.

Question 7. Ask your friends' views and share yours.
Answer: This question invites personal reflection and discussion among students regarding their opinions and interpretations of the story. There is no single correct answer, as it encourages diverse perspectives on the narrative and its themes.
In simple words: This is a discussion question where you and your friends share your thoughts about the story, so there's no single right answer.

🎯 Exam Tip: For discussion-based questions, formulate clear arguments supported by evidence from the text. Engaging with different viewpoints and articulating your own shows comprehensive engagement with the material.

Question 1. Do you sympathise with the Whites ? Why?
Answer: Yes, it is natural to sympathize with the Whites. Their initial wish stemmed from curiosity and an unawareness of the consequences. However, their subsequent two wishes were made out of sheer necessity for self-preservation.
In simple words: Yes, we sympathize with the Whites because their first wish was just curiosity, but the later ones were made out of desperation to save themselves.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to express sympathy, justify your stance by referencing the characters' intentions, the circumstances they faced, and the escalating stakes, highlighting the progression of their plight.

Question 2. What advice would you have given to the Whites after the first wish was fulfilled?
Answer: One might have advised them that given the horrific outcome of their initial wish, they should refrain from making the remaining two wishes, as these could potentially lead to even more disastrous consequences.
In simple words: After the first tragic wish, I would have advised them not to make any more wishes to avoid further disaster.

🎯 Exam Tip: Providing advice based on story events requires you to apply critical thinking and consider alternative actions characters could have taken. Ensure your advice is logical and directly addresses the narrative's challenges.

Question 3. Would you try to fulfil your wish with this paw? Why?
Answer: Considering Sergeant's prior warnings about the devastating repercussions the paw could unleash, I would not have dared to attempt fulfilling any wish with it, no matter how pressing the need.
In simple words: No, I would not use the paw, because the sergeant already warned about its terrible, dangerous consequences.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personal reflection questions require you to articulate your reasoning clearly, drawing upon lessons learned from the story's plot and themes to support your decision.

Question 4. There is no short cut to success. Do you agree? Give your arguments on the basis of this read.
Answer: Excluding fantastical realms, it is widely acknowledged that genuine success is not achieved through shortcuts. Despite this, people often futilely pursue quick routes. The axiom 'there is no success without hard work' remains profoundly true. Shortcuts frequently culminate in misfortunes, rendering the pursuit of success through such means purely imprudent.
In simple words: Yes, I agree. The story shows that trying to get something easily (like wealth from the paw) without effort leads to terrible outcomes, proving that real success comes only from hard work.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to agree or disagree, clearly state your position and support it with specific examples or themes from the text. Connect the story's events to broader life lessons or philosophical points.

Question 5. "If we try to get benefits without- putting efforts, we have to face a loss which is greater than the benefits.” When will you remember this in your life situations?
Answer: Seeking advantages without expending effort is ill-advised. Often, individuals who pursue gains without diligent work consequently suffer significant setbacks. For example, people may hastily purchase inexpensive goods that quickly break or wear out, leaving buyers with a profound sense of wasted investment.
In simple words: This means if you try to gain something without working for it, you'll often end up losing more than you gained. I'd remember this when tempted by quick, easy solutions that might hide hidden costs or bad consequences.

🎯 Exam Tip: To answer effectively, first explain the proverb's meaning, then provide a relatable real-life scenario where its wisdom would apply. This demonstrates both comprehension and practical application of the lesson.

(A) Additional Questions And Answers

Question 1. What information did Sergeant Morris give' to the Whites about the monkey's paw ?
Answer: Sergeant Morris informed the Whites that he had acquired the dried monkey's paw in India, where an ancient fakir had enchanted it. This spell transformed it into a talisman, and the fakir, a highly spiritual man, intended to demonstrate that human lives are governed by fate. He also conveyed that interfering with destiny would only lead to profound sorrow. The spell allowed three distinct individuals to each make three wishes from the paw.
In simple words: Sergeant Morris told the Whites that an old fakir in India put a spell on the monkey's paw, making it a talisman that grants three wishes but causes disaster if fate is interfered with.

🎯 Exam Tip: Detailing the origin and cautionary lore of a magical item is crucial for explaining its significance in the story. Ensure you cover who created it, its purpose, and the warnings associated with its use.

Question 2. What was the first wish demanded from the monkey's paw by Mr White ? How was it carried out?
Answer: Mr. White clutched the paw and expressed his desire for £ 200. The paw then shifted, twisting in his hand like a snake before dropping. The following morning, a gentleman from the company where their son was employed arrived at their home. He informed the parents that their son, Herbert, had been killed in an accident and was no longer alive. Subsequently, he presented an envelope containing £ 200 as compensation. Thus, Mr. White's wish was granted at the cost of his son's life.
In simple words: Mr. White's first wish was for £ 200. It was granted when a man from Herbert's company delivered £ 200 as compensation, simultaneously revealing that Herbert had died in an accident.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing the fulfillment of a wish, clearly state the wish itself, the immediate physical reaction of the paw, and the precise, ironic circumstances through which the wish manifests, highlighting the tragic cost.

Question 3. How did Mr White try to convince his wife not to go for the two remaining wishes ?
Answer: Having already endured the loss of their son Herbert through the first wish, Mr. White was deeply reluctant to use the two remaining wishes, fearing they would bring even greater calamities. When Mrs. White insisted on making the second wish, Mr. White explained to her that Herbert had been dead for ten days, and his body would likely be too decomposed for recognition, making any wish to revive him both futile and unwise.
In simple words: Mr. White tried to convince his wife not to use the paw again by explaining that Herbert had been dead for ten days, and his body would be decayed, making it foolish and impossible to bring him back.

🎯 Exam Tip: A character's arguments against a dangerous action, especially when based on practical or grim realities, illustrate their developing wisdom and the gravity of their situation. Focus on the logical and emotional reasons presented.

Question 4. What do you think, could have been 'i the third wish asked for from the paw by Mr White ?
Answer: Mr. White had already used the second wish to bring their son, Herbert, back to life, yielding to Mrs. White's insistence. Upon hearing a knock at the door, Mr. White foresaw the dreadful consequences if his son were to return alive in his decayed state. He realized the third wish would likely be to make his son disappear again or to prevent him from entering.
In simple words: The third wish was likely for Herbert, who was knocking at the door after being wished back to life, to disappear again, to prevent the horror of seeing his decayed form.

🎯 Exam Tip: Speculating on a character's unstated thoughts or actions requires inferential reasoning. Base your interpretation on the character's prior experiences and their current emotional state, especially in moments of high tension.

(B) Short Notes

Question (1) The Mysterious Paw of the Monkey and its Effect
Answer: Mr. and Mrs. White received a miraculous monkey's paw, brought from India by Sergeant Morris. Sergeant Morris explained that it could grant three wishes but issued a stern warning against using it, forecasting disastrous results. Despite this, Mr. White, curious to test its capabilities, made his first wish for £ 200. The following morning, a representative from his son's company visited, delivering the tragic news of their son's death and presenting £ 200 as compensation. Overwhelmed with grief, Mrs. White insisted on a second wish to revive Herbert. Anticipating horrific consequences, Mr. White made his third wish, to prevent his son's return, just as Herbert's reanimated corpse was about to enter. The knocking ceased, but the house began to collapse, signifying their utter ruin.
In simple words: The monkey's paw, brought by Sergeant Morris from India, granted three wishes but brought disaster with each one. Mr. White's wish for £ 200 led to his son's death, and his later wishes were attempts to reverse or prevent further tragedy, ultimately leading to the family's complete devastation.

🎯 Exam Tip: For short notes, synthesize key information about the item's origin, powers, warnings, and its immediate and long-term impact on the characters. Cover the wishes made and their outcomes concisely.

Question (2) Great Disasters Faced by Mr and Mrs White
Answer: Sergeant Morris, returning from India, presented the Whites with the magical monkey's paw. He cautioned them about its potential for trouble, advising against its use. Despite the warning, Mr. and Mrs. White were eager to test its powers. Mr. White, holding the paw, wished for £ 200. The paw wriggled violently and fell. The next day, a man from their son's office arrived, delivering £ 200 as compensation, but tragically, he also announced Herbert's death. Grieving, Mrs. White compelled Mr. White to make a second wish, bringing Herbert back to life. However, fearing a grotesque return, Mr. White frantically made a third wish. The knocking stopped, and the house began to collapse. The Whites realized the paw had brought them nothing but utter ruin.
In simple words: The Whites faced great tragedies due to the monkey's paw. Their first wish for money resulted in their son Herbert's death. Mrs. White's insistence on a second wish brought Herbert back as a zombie, and Mr. White's final wish had to be to send him away again, leaving them in utter despair and ruin.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing disasters, ensure a chronological account of the wishes, their immediate ironic fulfillments, and the escalating emotional and physical toll on the characters. Emphasize the connection between each wish and its tragic outcome.

(C) Reading Comprehension

Question (1) The next morning, a gentleman knocked on the door, “I come from Maw and Meggins your son's employer” The old lady looked surprised. “Is anything wrong?”, she asked breathlessly. "Has anything happened to my son, Herbert? What is it?” The visitor looked down.
“Badly hurt,” he said quietly. “But he's not in any pain. Oh, thank God, thank God for that!"
But the sinister meaning of the visitor's assurance suddenly became clear to the old lady and she looked at him. His face was turned away, confirming her worst fears.

Questions:
(1) What does the visitor want to convey by the words, "Badly hurt, but he's not in any pain"?
(2) Why did the visitor turn away his face ?
Answer:
(1) Through the statement, "Badly hurt, but he's not in any pain," the visitor intends to communicate that their son is deceased; in other words, he has died.
(2) The visitor averted his gaze because he lacked the courage to look into the eyes of the mother, who had just received the devastating news of her son's passing.
In simple words: The visitor's words imply Herbert is dead, as dead people don't feel pain. He looked away because he couldn't face the mother after delivering such terrible news.

🎯 Exam Tip: For comprehension questions based on extracts, analyze the character's dialogue and actions for implied meanings. The visitor's euphemistic language and avoidance of eye contact reveal the grave nature of the news without explicit pronouncements.

Question (2) Mr White took out the monkey's paw and raised his hand. “I wish my son alive again."The paw fell on the floor and after few moments a knock was heard at the floor."Who could that be ?" enquired Mr White. “That must be my son." replied the old lady and ran towards the door. “Don't let it in,for God's sake” cried Mr White shivering in fear. "You're afraid of your own son. Let me go.I'm coming, Herbert, I'm coming!”

Questions:
(1) What happened when Mr. White demanded his wish ?
(2) Who speaks the last words in this stanza ? Why?
Answer:
(1) Immediately after Mr. White made his final wish, the paw dropped to the floor, and shortly thereafter, a knock was heard at the door.
(2) Mrs. White utters the concluding words in this segment. Despite Mr. White's attempts to stop her from rushing to open the door, she persisted, driven by a mother's profound love for her son.
In simple words: After Mr. White wished his son alive, the paw fell, and a knock came at the door. Mrs. White, filled with a mother's love, spoke the last words as she desperately ran to open the door despite Mr. White's fear.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the immediate reactions to the wish and the dialogue that follows. Identifying who speaks and their motivation (like a mother's love) is crucial for understanding the escalating tension and emotional stakes.

Question (3) On a cold and stormy night, Mr White and his son, Herbert were playing chess in their small living room of villa, while Mrs White, sitting by the fire, knitting and talking to them occasionally.

Questions:
(1) What kind of weather was that night ?
(2) Write the names of the characters from the text.
Answer:
(1) The night was characterized by cold and stormy weather.
(2) The characters mentioned in the text are Mr. White, his son Herbert, and Mrs. White.
In simple words: It was a cold, stormy night, and the characters present were Mr. White, Mrs. White, and their son, Herbert.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions about setting and characters, extract precise details directly from the provided text. Accurate recall of these foundational elements demonstrates careful reading.

Question (4) Mr White was curious and wanted to test the powers of the monkey's paw. He bent down and quickly retrieved it from the fire. He said, “If you don't want it, give it to me.” Morris, after reluctantly explaining the appropriate manner of making the wishes, warned him that he could have the paw but at his own risk and departed soon afterwards.

Questions:
(1) What did Mr White retrieve from the fire ?
(2) What did Morris explain to Mr White ?
Answer:
(1) Mr. White retrieved the monkey's paw from the fire.
(2) Morris elucidated the correct procedure for making wishes to Mr. White and cautioned him that possessing the paw would be at his own peril.
In simple words: Mr. White took the monkey's paw out of the fire. Morris explained how to make wishes and warned him that using the paw was risky.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the direct action and the core information conveyed in the dialogue. Understanding Mr. White's curiosity and Morris's explicit warning is central to comprehending the story's rising action.

Question (D) Say True or False
Answer:
(1) An old Fakir put a spell on the monkey's paw and turned it into a talisman. - True
(2) Mr White wanted to visit India to get the magical monkey's paw. - False
(3) Sergeant Morris hailed from India. - False
(4) Sergeant Morris had cautioned Mr White and his wife against testing the powers of the monkey's paw. - True
(5) The visitor introduced himself as Herbert's colleague. - True
(6) Mr White's wish was granted at the cost of his son's life. - True
(7) Mr White was quite reluctant to ask for the second wish. - True
(8) Mrs White wanted to have her son back with the third wish. - False
(9) It was hot summer when Morris visited the Whites. - False
(10) The visitor handed over Mr White and his wife £ 200 sent by their son Herbert. - False
(11) Mr White welcomed Morris and offered him a cup of coffee. - False
In simple words: This section tests your factual recall of the story by asking you to identify whether given statements are correct or incorrect.

🎯 Exam Tip: Approach True/False questions by carefully checking each statement against the narrative's specifics. Be wary of statements with slight inaccuracies or misrepresentations of events.

Monkey's Paw Summary In Gujarati

આ એક કાળા જાદુની વાર્તા છે. સિદ્ધહસ્ત ડબ્લ્યુ. ડબ્લ્યુ. જેકોબ્સ એનું નિરૂપણ એ રીતે કર્યું છે કે વાંચતાં ભયના માર્યા રૂંવાડાં ઊભાં થઈ જાય. એક ઠંડી, તોફાની રાતે શ્રીમાન હાઇટ તથા તેમનો દીકરો હર્બર્ટ તેમના નાનકડા બેઠકખંડમાં ચેસ રમી રહ્યા હતા અને શ્રીમતી હાઇટ ફાયરપ્લેસ પાસે બેસી કાંઈક ગૂંથી રહ્યાં હતાં અને વચ્ચે વચ્ચે વાતો કરતાં હતાં. તે લોકો તેમના એક કૌટુંબિક મિત્ર સાર્જન્ટ મોરિસ આવવાના હતા, તેમની રાહ જોઈ રહ્યાં હતાં.

સાર્જન્ટ મોરિસનું ભારતમાં પોસ્ટિંગ હોવાને લીધે ઘણી વખત ત્યાં રહ્યા હતા. શ્રીમાન હાઇટ ભારત, ત્યાંનાં મંદિરો તેમજ જાદુ વિશે જાણવા ઘણા ઉત્સુક હતા. એમાંય એમણે એક જાદુઈ “વાંદરાના પંજા' અંગે સાંભળ્યું ત્યારથી એમની ઇંતેજારી વધી ગઈ હતી. સાર્જન્ટ મોરિસે તેના વિશે જણાવતાં કહ્યું કે એક સાધુએ નિયતિ શું કરી શકે છે એ લોકોને બતાવવા આ વાંદરાના પંજાને અભિમંત્રિત કર્યો હતો.

કોઈ પણ વ્યક્તિ તે હાથમાં લઈ ગમે તે ત્રણ ઇચ્છાઓ માંગી શકતો, પણ આમ કરવું ખતરાથી ખાલી નહોતું. સાર્જન્ટ એ જોખમકારક હોવાથી તેનો નાશ કરવા આગમાં નાખી દીધો. પણ શ્રીમાન વ્હાઈટ તેનો પ્રભાવ જોવા માગતા હતા. તેથી તેને તરત જ આગમાંથી બહાર કાઢી લીધો. સાર્જન્ટે શ્રીમાન વહાઇટને ચેતવ્યા કે તેનો અખતરો કરવો જોખમ ભરેલું છે. છતાંય તેમના ગયા પછી શ્રીમાન હાઇટે તે જાદુઈ “વાંદરાનો પંજો′ હાથમાં લઈ 200 પાઉન્ડ મેળવવાની ઇચ્છા વ્યક્ત કરી. બીજા દિવસે સવારે તેમના દીકરાની કંપનીમાંથી કોઈક આવ્યું અને દીકરાનો ભયંકર અકસ્માત થયો છે અને તે હવે જીવિત નથી અને કંપનીએ વળતર પેટે આપેલા 200 પાઉન્ડ તેણે શ્રીમાન વ્હાઇટના હાથમાં મૂક્યા. તેમના દીકરાના જીવનના બદલામાં તેમની 200 પાઉન્ડ મેળવવાની ઇચ્છા પૂરી થઈ હતી, જે તેમના માટે અસહ્ય હતું.

શ્રીમતી હાઈટે આગ્રહ રાખ્યો કે હજુ બે ઇચ્છાઓ માંગવી બાકી છે, અને તે તેમના દીકરાને જીવતો કરવાની ઇચ્છા માંગી શકે. શ્રીમાન હાઈટે સમજાવ્યું કે હવે તો દટાઈને તેનું મૃત શરીર સંપૂર્ણ ખવાઈ ગયું હશે. છતાંય પત્નીના આગ્રહને વશ થઈ, ફરી એક વાર વાંદરાનો પંજો હાથમાં લઈ તેમનો દીકરો જીવિત પરત આવે' એવી ઇચ્છા વ્યક્ત કરી.

પંજો હાથમાંથી નીચે પડી ગયો અને થોડીક જ ક્ષણોમાં દરવાજે ટકોરા પડ્યા. શ્રીમતી વ્હાઇટ "એ મારો દીકરો જ હશે' એમ કહી દરવાજો ખોલવા દોડી પડ્યા. ભયથી કાંપતા શ્રીમાન હાઈટે તેમને રોકવા પ્રયાસ કર્યો, પણ શ્રીમતી હાઇટ અડગ હતાં.

હવે પછી જે થવાનું હતું તેની કલ્પનાથી ભયભીત થઈ, તેમની પત્નીએ દરવાજો ખોલતાં રોકવા અસમર્થ એવા શ્રીમાન વ્હાઈટે ઉન્મત્તપણામાં ત્રીજી વાર 'વાંદરાનો પંજો' હાથમાં લઈ અંતિમ ઇચ્છા વ્યક્ત કરી. દરવાજે ટકોરા બંધ થયા પણ. બિહામણા અવાજો હજુ ઘરમાં પડધાતા હતા.

એકાએક ઘર પડી ભાંગવા લાગ્યું. છાપરું, દીવાલો, સીડી પડવા લાગ્યાં. બંને ઘરના મુખ્ય દરવાજા તરફ દોડી ગયાં. બહાર રોડની લાઈટ શાંત અને ખાલીખમ રોડને અજવાળી રહી હતી. ‘વાંદરાનો પંજો' પોતાનો પ્રભાવ દેખાડી ચૂક્યો હતો.

Glossary (શબ્દાર્થ)

paw (n) (પૉ) the foot of an animal–નહોરવાળા પ્રાણીનો પંજો
villa (n.) (વિલા) a country house–(વિદેશમાં શહેરથી દૂર) ગ્રામ્ય વિસ્તારમાં આવેલું સુખસગવડવાળું અલાયદું નિવાસસ્થાન
occasionally (adv.) (ઓકેઝનલી) now and then, from time to time–પ્રસંગોપાત્ત, ક્યારેક ક્યારેક
tenure (n.) (ટેન્યર) term, a period during which something happened – સત્ર, (કશુંક થયું હોવાનો) સમયગાળો
mesmerise (v.) (મેસ્મેરાઈઝ) influence, charm-વશીકરણ | મોહિત કરવું
talisman (n.) (ટેલિસ્મન) goodluck charm, amulate - તાવીજ, માદળિયું
disaster (n.) (ડિઝાસ્ટર) catastrophe, adversity, calamity, misfortune – વિનાશ
sergeant (n.) (સાર્જન્ટ) a rank in police –આ હોદ્દો ધરાવતો પોલીસ અધિકારી
retrieve (v.) (રિટ્રીવ) get back in possession – (પોતાના) કબજામાં પરત મેળવવું
reluctantly (adv.) (રિલક્ટન્ટલી) hesitatingly, unwillingly – ખચકાતાં, અનિચ્છાએ
disgust (n.) dislike, nausea – અણગમો, ચીડ, સૂગ
breathlessly (adv.) in a great excitement, gaspingly, in a breathless manner - હાંફતાં હાંફતાં
sinister (adj.) (સિનિસ્ટર) threatening, evil, ominous–ભયાવહ, અશુભ, હાનિકારક
assurance (n.) (અશુઅરન્સ) promise, commitment - ખાતરી
compensation (n.) (કમ્પેનસેશન) reimbursement, reparation - કશુંક નુકસાન થયા બદલનું વળતર
comprehend (v.) (કૉમ્પ્રિહેન્ડ) understand - સમજવું
hysterically (adv.) (હિસ્ટિરિકલી) showing uncontrolled emotion - ઉન્માદપૂર્ણ રીતે
rapidly (adv.) quickly, fast, soon - ઝડપથી, તરત જ
decayed (adj.) (ડિકેય્ડ) rotten, spoiled, decomposed - સડી ગયેલું
beyond recognition (adv.) (બિયોન્ડ રેકગ્નિશન) unable to be identified - ઓળખાય નહિ તેવું
shivering (v.) (શિવરિંગ) trembling - ધ્રૂજવું
frantically (adv.) (ફ્રેન્ટિકલી) highly excited, frenzied - અતિશય ઉત્તેજિત થયેલું, બેબાકળું બનેલું
rattle (v.) (રૅટલ) clatter, make a succession of short, sharp sounds - ખડખડવું, ધૂધૂ જેવો અવાજ કરવો
collapse (v.) (કલૅપ્સ) fall down suddenly - જમીનદોસ્ત થવું, તૂટી પડવું

Phrases And Idioms

turn away (v.) (ટર્ન અવે) avert, deflect -(અહીં મોં) ફેરવી લેવું
catch breath (v.) (કૅચ બ્રેથ) stop for a short time to rest or think to continue further - શ્વાસ રોકીને કે રાહ જોઈને આગળ વધવું
hand over (v.) (હૅન્ડ ઓવર) pass something to another person, to give–બીજાને કશુંક આપવું

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