When Mr. White first hears about the magical powers of the monkey's paw, he does not believe the story and casually wishes for two hundred pounds. After his son's death, Mr. White remains incredulous but reluctantly makes a second wish. By the time Mr. White makes his third wish, he recognizes the paw's nefarious magical powers and is terrified to use it. Mr. White only makes the third wish to spare his wife from seeing their undead son.
