10 Classic Pieces Of Literature Perfect For Halloween

7. The Monkey's Paw - W.W. Jacobs

First published in 1902, The Monkey's Paw has been adapted and parodied in a vast number of ways in recent history. The story tells of an elderly couple that receive a fabled monkey's paw said to be able to grant three wishes. They are warned that the paw is evil and should be rid of but the old man is too caught up in his thoughts of fortune. He wishes for a large sum of money in order to pay off his house and - in a terrible twist of fate - learns that his son has died in a work-related accident. The couple receive the money they wished for as compensation for his death.

The grief-stricken woman begs the man to use his second wish to bring their son back and he reluctantly abides. When a knock is heard at the door the old man realizes what he did was wrong as their son's body would be far too horrifying due to the accident. Before the woman can answer the door he uses his final wish to put his son back in the grave. The story of the Monkey's Paw has been adapted by the Simpsons, Are You Afraid of the Dark, the X-Files, Tales from the Crypt and more. Furthermore, the entire motif of "being careful what you wish for" was inspired by the Monkey's Paw and has gone on to be featured again and again.

Stephen King seems fond of the tale as the theme of Pet Semetary centers on the unintended consequences of bringing back the dead. Another King story, The Dead Zone, features a reference to the classic tale when protagonist John describes his psychic powers as being similar to the Monkey's Paw. A horror film based on the original tale has just been released to theaters.