Wheel of Fate
Morris tells us that an old fakir put a spell on the monkey's paw to show that Fate ruled people's lives and that when people messed with that, they did so at their own sorrow. He also explains that three different men would get three wishes. We know, also, that the first man wished for death. The second man was Morris and he insists on it being destroyed but gives it to the White's in the end. He insists that if one must wish it should be something sensible. He tosses the paw in the fireplace at one point to prove his desire to be rid of it.
I mentioned it another essay, but, I believe that Samsara, or the wheel of fate has much to do with this. Samsara represents a continual cycle of life that focuses in brith, life, death, and rebirth. Our current lives are, by many Indian religions, one of many. The things we do in this life affect our other lives. We incur karma in our lives that detemrines what we will do in the next. The idea then breaks down that we should always do our best to incur good karma. We constantly strive to collect particular karma. I think, in part, that this becomes destiny. We are just who we are. Perhaps the old fakir thought to teach people about how all things in life are connected and that our choices can benefit or destroy another's life.
I think of it like this: the things I do can and will affect you. If you have contact with me or communicate with me, our lives are connected. Perhaps not in a grand way, but I believe that there is influence. Just as you will be influenced by me, I will be influenced by you. We may change our opinions or see new things.
If not for Morris visiting, the White's never would have known about the paw. They never would have made their wishes. Someone else might have suffered for defying fate. I'm not sure I feel that is appropriate or even sound. Morris had to meet with the Whites. He had to be rid of the paw. We know he tried to toss it in the fire, but Mr. White pulled it out and they asked Morris to explain it. Morris tries to warn them, but, as he mentioned before most people don't believe in the story. After they try it out, it's far too late.
Although we never know Morris's wishes, we do know that he is bothered by them. He insists that the Whites wish for something sensible, noting he understands the graveness to using the paw at all. He also tells us that his predecessor wished for death. Again, another sign of grief over the paw. Mr. White, trying to be sensible, still kills his son.
I believe that those curious about fate can be curious enough to tempt it. In doing so they bring influence over their lives in ways they may not have thought possible. By using the Monkey's Paw, one invites disaster based on the idea of blessing. I believe it is pride that keeps people wishing. In general, a sort of "it can't happen to me." The truth, though, is that we are never free of our nature. According to the wheel of fate, we will continute to live, strive, and struggle through all of our lives until we find enlightment. We struggle more when we do the wrong things. Going against our fate, or forcing opened our paths, does not lead to enlightment. It leads to suffering. I believe that is the lesson that the old fakir was ryign to relay.