What is the exposition of the plot of "The Monkey's Paw"?

You are only allowed to ask one question. Multiple
questions are not permitted, so I have had to edit your question to focus on the
exposition of this great short story. When we think about the plot of a story, the
exposition of the plot is the opening of the story, when the characters and their
conflict are introduced. It is also known as the basic
situation.

Therefore, when we think of the exposition of
"The Monkey's Paw," we can see that it is the beginning of the story, when we are
introduced to the Whites and their mysterious guest, Sergeant Major Morris, and also the
monkey's paw, which we are not sure whether to take seriously or not. Note that Herbert
White and his father seem rather dismissive of the paw at first, but their scepticism is
halted somewhat by the obvious fear that that Sergeant Major Morris expresses towards
the paw:

The
soldier regarded him in the way that middle age is wont to regard presumptuous youth. "I
have," he said, quietly, and his blotchy face
whitened.

Of course, the
rising action begins as Mr. White makes a wish on the paw and the chaos that ensues is
unleashed.