Early in the story, Mr. White makes a reckless chess move and sees his mistake only after it is too late. What later problem does the chess scene foreshadow?

When Mr. White says he would like to see India, Morris tells him, “Better where you are.” What does the warning foreshadow?

Morris says the first owner's third wish was for death. What does this early fact foreshadow about the Whites' final wish?

Morris suddenly throws the paw into the fire, but Mr. White snatches it out. What does Morris's action foreshadow?

Morris says the paw grants wishes so naturally that they might seem like coincidence. What does this foreshadow?

After the first wish, Herbert jokes that something horrible will squat on the wardrobe, watching his parents take the money. What does the joke foreshadow?

The opening sets a warm room against a storm and a remote road with few occupied houses. How does that detail build suspense?

When Morris admits he used the three wishes, his face loses color and his glass taps his teeth. How does this detail build suspense?

Before giving the news, the company messenger pauses at the gate several times and then sits strangely silent. What suspense does this create?

After the second wish, the candle dies, the clock ticks, stairs creak, and a faint knock sounds. What effect does the faint knock have?

As Mrs. White tries to open the door, Mr. White searches for the paw while knocks fill the house and the bolt creaks back. How does this build suspense?

Mr. White saves the paw from the fire after Morris throws it away. What role does this moment play in the plot?

At Herbert's suggestion, Mr. White wishes for the sum that would pay off the house. How does this choice advance the plot?

The messenger reports Herbert died at work, then says the company will pay the exact wished-for sum. How does this moment turn the plot?

A week after the burial, Mrs. White remembers two wishes remain and demands Herbert's return. What change does this moment create?

Mr. White makes his last wish just before Mrs. White can open the door. What does this moment do to the plot?

The ending lets readers hear knocks but never see who or what is outside. Why does this withheld detail matter?

After the final wish, the door opens onto an empty road. Why end on the deserted road instead of showing a body?

After the knocking stops, Mrs. White wails and the road is empty. What question does the ending leave unanswered on purpose?

When Mrs. White opens the door and wails at the empty road, what does her reaction show?