What are the elements of horror, mystery and the supernatural in "The Monkey's Paw"?

There are many different aspects of this excellent short
story that you could focus on to bring out the mystery, horror and the elements of the
supernatural. Key to focus on is the way that W. W. Jacobs, in this story, gives us a
horrific retelling of the traditional "three wishes" tale that can be found all over the
world. The difference between this tale and its many variations is the way that it
incorporates terror and suspense in its narration. One key element that makes this story
terrifying is the description of the monkey's paw and the way that it is given a life of
its own. Note what happens directly after Mr. White makes his wish for
money:

A fine
crash from the piano greeted the words, interrupted by a shuddering cry from the old
man. His wife and son ran toward him.

"It moved," he cried,
with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor. "As I wished it twisted
in my hand like a
snake."

Note the way in which
the sound of the piano is used to foreshadow the disaster that is going to befall the
White family. The crash is emotionally jarring, suggesting that something bad will
happen. The crash is also surprising, indicating that the money will be provided but in
a way that nobody can foresee. Note too the way that the monkey's paw twisted "like a
snake." Snakes are creatures that we associate with evil, and so horror is injected
through this comparison.

Through this example and many
others, mystery, the supernatural and horror are introduced into this excellent
tale.