The "monkey's paw" is a fictional object from the short story written by W.W. Jacobs. It is a magical talisman that grants its owner three wishes, but each wish comes with unintended consequences. The story explores themes of fate, greed, and the dangers of tampering with destiny. In the tale, a family discovers the paw and makes wishes that lead to tragic outcomes. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of wishing for more than one needs and the unforeseen repercussions that can arise from such desires.