Broadway Stars BROADWAYSTARS

The Enduring Power of the Monkey's Paw myth

by Pauline Adamek

The Monkey's Paw story trope remains one of the most adaptable and enduring narrative devices in literature and film. Its core premise revolves around an object (originally an actual mummified monkey's paw) that fulfills wishes or desires but also exacts a tragic, unforeseen cost or penalty. Employing this compelling premise, storytellers explore human temptation, morality, […]

SOURCE: Arts Beat LA at 4:42pm on January 27, 2026