The Power of Determination

Greed is the motivation for determination. Some of the characters in “Chee’s Daughter” and in “The Monkey’s Paw” were greedy, but that caused others to be determined. The greed and the love for family is the reason behind the determination. In Juanita Platero’s and Siyowin Miller’s short story, “Chee’s Daughter” and W.W. Jacobs short story, “The Monkey’s Paw,” the authors use family love to explore the correlation of greed and determination.

In “Chee’s Daughter,” the authors portrays Old Man Fat’s character as a greedy, selfish, lazy person. Old Man Fat only worries about his business and his money. He does not care about the well being of the Little One, only using her as a way to make money. When Chee came to visit the Little One, the first thought that comes to Old Man Fat’s mind is if Chee is deliberately trying to ruin his business. In the story, Old Man Fat says, “Why do you come here? To spoil our business? To drive people away?” (Platero and Miller 81). Old Man Fat does not even mention the his granddaughter, but his business gets mentioned. Furthermore, Old Man Fat is lazy, and does not work hard for his money. He simply buys the food that many work hard to produce without even considering the hard work put to make it. In the story, the authors states “‘Do you think everyone must bend his back over the short handled hoe in order to have food to eat?’ His tone changed as he began to brag a little. “We not all have all the things from can at the trader’s, but when the Pueblos come past here on their way to town we but their salty jerked mutton, young corn for roasting, dried sweet peaches.”” (Platero and Miller 81). Old Man Fat wants the food in his hands, without “bending his back” for it. Old Man Fat’s greediness and laziness kindled the determination within another character.

The character, Chee, used Old Man Fat’s greed and his love for the Little One as determination to be better. Chee wanted to provide more for his family. He would leave his home, his family, and the only lifestyle he knew for his daughter. Chee would go to work for the people that are exactly like Old Man Fat and it would all be for the Little One. In story, the authors states “It was during the days when he herded sheep that Chee decided he must leave Little Canyon. Perhaps he would take a job silversmithing for the traders in town.” (Platero and Miller 83). Chee would give up everything for his daughter. In addition, Chee never stopped working. He was determined to produce more food and make more money. He wanted to be able to give his daughter everything Old Man Fat can, and this drove Chee to work harder. In “Chee’s Daughter”, it states “Through plating time Chee worked zealously and tirelessly.” (Platero and Miller 84). The determination in Chee never ended as he farmed during planting time. In “Chee’s Daughter”, the authors wanted determination to be an effect of greed; similar to how the author of “The Monkey’s Paw” did.

The White Family did not know the importance of family, until greed got in the way. The family wanted outrageous things to have control and money. They did not consider doing something to benefit all, but wished for things to benefit themselves. In the story, Herbert says “Why, we’re going to be rich, and famous and happy. Wish to be an emperor, Father, to begin with; then you can’t be bosses around.” (Jacobs 34). The White Family was thinking about being emperor to gain power and more money, rather than be happy with what they have. Also, the White Family first and only wish was for money. They only wanted 200 pounds, but greediness causes them to have more trouble. In the story, Mrs. White says “How could wishes be granted these days? And if they could, how could two hundred pounds hurt you, Father?” (Jacobs 35). The White family did not consider the consequences of their greed, and they did get hurt. The presence of greed in “The Monkey’s Paw” has the same effect as “Chee’s Daughter.”

After the consequence of the White Family’s greed, Mr. White and Mrs. White showed their determination and love for family. Mrs. White was determined to get her son back, the only son she has. Her love for him causes her to be motivated to get him back. In the story, the author writes “‘Wish!’ she cried, in a strong voice. “It is foolish and wicked,” he faltered. ‘Wish!’ repeated his wife. He raised his hand. “I wish my son alive again.”” (Jacobs 38). Mrs. White’s determination and love for her son that got Herbert alive again. Mr.White was so keen on saving his son and wife. He did not want his son to suffer, and Mr. White did not want his wife to see her son in such agonizing pain. Mr.White never gave up in his search of the paw; he did not want his family to be in pain and this causes Mr.White to be even more determined. In the story, it states “He heard the creaking of the bolt as it came slowly back and at the same moment he found the monkey’s paw, and frantically breathed his third and last wish.” (Jacobs 40). Mr.White’s determination saves his son and wife from pain. The determination in the characters are driven by greed and love for family in both “Chee’s Daughter” and “The Monkey’s Paw.”

Some believe that the characters, Old Man Fat and the White Family, are not greedy. Old Man Fat only wants to provide the Little one with everything. He only wants the best for her. In “Chee’s Daughter”, it states “The wind was plucking her new purple blouse and wide green skirt.” (Platero and Miller 81). Old Man Fat bought her new clothes and wanted to take the best care of her. The White Family was happy how they were. They did not need money. In “The Monkey’s Paw”, Mr. White says “‘I don’t know what to wish for, and that’s a fact,’ he said, slowly. “It seems to me i’ve got all i want.”” (Jacobs 34). Mr. White does not need or want money, he does not even know what to wish for! However these characters may not come off greedy, but their actions say all. Old Man Fat only thought of the Little One as someone he is going to be using money on. He has no interest in her well being, only that the Little One is wasting his precious money away. In “Chee’s Daughter”, Old Man Fat thinks “For in the moment the Little One ceased to be their daughter’s daughter and became just another mouth to feed.” (Platero and Miller 86). Old Man Fat only thinks that the Little One as a burden to him and his wife. Also, the White Family are greedy.They say they do not need anything, but still continue to make the wish for money. In “The Monkey’s Paw”, the old man says “I wish for two hundred pounds.” (Jacobs 34). The White Family wanted the money or else they would not have made the wish. Greed was present in both short stories and the greed has a direct correlation with determination.

Determination is kindled with many things, but W.W. Jacobs, Juanita Platero, and Siyowin Miller used family love and greed as a fire starter. The love of family is present throughout both short stories, and there is greed and determination present as well. The authors had a meaningful purpose for having a correlation between these three. The authors are trying to say that greed of others ignites and fuels the determination within people, but greed blinds the eye of the importance of family.

Works Cited

• Jacobs, W.W. "The Monkey's Paw." Prentice Hall Literature: Platinum. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1994. 31-40. Print.
• Platero, Juanita, and Siyowin Miller. "Chee's Daughter." Prentice Hall Literature: Platinum. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1994. 77-86. Print.