Question

Which four parts of this excerpt from W. W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw" show that the White family doubts the major's story?
"Hold it up in your right hand, and wish aloud," said the Sergeant Major, "But I warn you of the consequences."
"Sounds like the 'Arabian Nights," said Mrs. White, as she rose and began to set the supper. "Don't you think you might wish for four pairs of hands for
me.
Her husband drew the talisman from his pocket, and all three burst into laughter as the Sergeant Major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the
arm
"If you must wish," he said gruffly, "Wish for something sensible."
"If the tale about the monkey's paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us," said Herbert, as the door closed behind their guest, just in time
to catch the last train, "we shan't make much out of it."
"Did you give him anything for it, father?" inquired Mrs. White, regarding her husband closely
"A trifle," said he, colouring slightly. "He didn't want it, but I made him take it. And he pressed me again to throw it away"
"Likely," said Herbert, with pretended horror. "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 henpecked."
He darted round the table, pursued by the maligned Mrs. White armed with an antimacassar
Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously. "I don't know what to wish for, and that's a fact," he said, slowly. "It seems to me I've got all!
want."

Answer 1

Answer:

Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 show the attitudes and comments made by the White family about the major’s story and the alleged powers of the monkey’s paw.  

In part 2, Mrs. White compares the major’s story with the ‘Arabian nights’ so as to show that, for her, it was nothing more than a tale. In addition, she makes a scornful comment about the seriousness of the situation.

In part 3, the overall veracity of the major is questioned, indicating the lack of trust in his words.

In part 4, a sarcastic comment about the odds of the wishes coming true is made by Herbert, which indicates his skepticism about the paw’s powers.

In part 5, Mr. White’s doubtfulness is literally expressed in the text.

The remaining part (part 1) is the only one that shows the words of the major himself. Thus, it is self-evident that this is the only part that will not express doubts about his story.