Attempt a character sketch of each of the following, in about 150 words. Quote from the play to support your answer.

i) Mrs. White

Mrs. White could be seen as a perfect mother and care-taker of the White family. In the opening scene where she is seen serving tea to the men, the shawl wrapped around her shoulder and apron tied around the waist gives her the ideal image of a homemaker.

Mrs. White's denial and non-acceptance of Mr. White's unnatural experience show that she was not a firm believer of the supernaturals. She had minimal interest in the monkey's paw and its magical stories, and its presence did not affect her much. Although deep inside, she too wanted the wish that they had made to be fulfilled, but she did not allow her anxiety to take over her practicality, and thus remained calm. But certainly, her excitement went up when she saw the man in black suit standing near the entrance gate, hoping that he brings the sum that they had wished for.

Her relation with Herbert is dealt in detail, as she is seen taking care of his little needs. As a caring mother, she asks him to come on time for breakfast, and waits for his arrival eagerly. When the news of Herbert's death was disclosed, she could not believe and her world came off shattering.

In scene 3, we get to witness the pathos of a mother in the form of the silence and melancholy of Mrs. White on having lost her son. She was constantly lost in her sorrow, and wished for her son to return. This, in turn, gave rise to her idea of making the second wish. Her impatience reached at its peak on hearing the knock at the door when she says-

"It's my boy! It's Herbert! I forgot it was a mile away! What are you holding me for?

I must open the door!"

Her unconditional love for her son is seen in the lines-

"Do you think I fear the child I bore!

.......I'm coming!"

But the empty road made her lifeless again, and her forever wait continued.

Hence, we can conclude that Mrs. White's character was a complete mother figure.