"The Monkey's Paw" is a supernatural short story by author W. W. Jacobs first published in England in 1902. The Monkey's Paw is a classic "three wishes" story that doubles as a horror story and a cautionary tale; reminding us that unintended consequences often accompany the best intentions. In the story, three wishes are granted to the owner of the monkey's hand, but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate.