Which excerpt from the monkey's paw" would be considered the story's climax

Messalla frowns at the wide circular cover, for a moment returning to his own fussy world.

Key events - what happens? what do we learn about the character in this event? or how does the event change the character? what is the author’s message in each set of events you have identified? 1.bruno and his family move from berlin to auschwitz due to the move he learns of the camp which leads to another key event. 2.bruno meets shmuel when they meet, they become friends which in turn towards the end leads to their untimely demise.

What is the definition of scathing? a. to assail with abusive language c. to deter by advice or persuasion b. bitterly severe, as a remark d. the west wind; a mild wind