One of the most relevant lessons of life for our times and young people, especially, is used in "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs. This lesson is expressed in the old maxim, "Be careful what you wish for; you may get just receive your wish." In other words, importantly, a person should always think through his/her desires and choices. Otherwise, the consequences may not be what one anticipates.
The Whites' wish is a very pregnant example of the value of the old maxim. Not once, but twice, do the Whites not consider the full ramifications of their wishes despite the old soldier's warnings and his regarding of Herbert White
in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth.
Sergeant Major Morris understands the potential for Herbert White's not making a "sensible" wish. His statement is, of course, a foreshadowing of the tragic end of Jacobs's story.
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