“The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence is a haunting and suspenseful short story that explores the destructive nature of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. Set in England during the early 20th century, the story follows a young boy named Paul who becomes obsessed with winning money to please his mother, who is never satisfied with their financial situation. As Paul becomes more and more consumed by his desire to win, he discovers a supernatural ability to predict the winners of horse races with the help of his rocking horse. But as his winnings grow, so too does the danger and tragedy that surrounds him. In this article, we will provide a thrilling summary of this classic tale.
Background Information
D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner” was first published in 1926 in Harper’s Bazaar magazine. The story is set in England and revolves around a young boy named Paul who becomes obsessed with winning money to please his mother, who is constantly complaining about their lack of wealth. The story explores themes of greed, materialism, and the destructive nature of consumerism. Lawrence’s writing style is known for its vivid imagery and psychological depth, making “The Rocking-Horse Winner” a classic piece of literature that continues to be studied and analyzed today.
Characters
The characters in “The Rocking-Horse Winner” are complex and multi-dimensional. The protagonist, Paul, is a young boy who is desperate to win his mother’s love and affection. He is sensitive and intuitive, and he has a deep understanding of the emotional dynamics within his family. His mother, on the other hand, is cold and distant, and she is consumed by her desire for wealth and status. She is unable to connect with her children on an emotional level, and she is blind to the harm that her obsession is causing. The other characters in the story, including Paul’s father and his uncle, are also well-drawn and nuanced, and they all play important roles in the unfolding of the plot. Overall, the characters in “The Rocking-Horse Winner” are richly developed and contribute to the story’s powerful themes of love, greed, and the destructive power of materialism.
Setting
The setting of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a wealthy family’s home in England during the early 20th century. The family’s house is described as being “haunted” by the idea of money, and the constant desire for more of it. The mother, in particular, is obsessed with the idea of being rich and constantly complains about their financial situation. The father, on the other hand, is distant and uninvolved in the family’s affairs. The children, Paul and his sisters, are caught in the middle of this dysfunctional family dynamic. The story takes place during a time when the gap between the rich and poor was widening, and the pursuit of wealth was becoming an increasingly important aspect of society. This setting provides the backdrop for the story’s exploration of the destructive power of greed and the consequences of valuing money above all else.
Plot Overview
In “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” D.H. Lawrence tells the story of a young boy named Paul who becomes obsessed with winning money to please his mother. Paul’s family is constantly struggling financially, and his mother is unhappy with their situation. She believes that they need more money to be happy and constantly complains about their lack of wealth. Paul becomes determined to win money for his mother and begins riding his rocking-horse in a trance-like state, trying to predict the winners of horse races. With the help of his uncle, Paul is able to place bets on the races and win large sums of money. However, his obsession with winning takes a toll on his health and ultimately leads to a tragic ending. Lawrence’s story explores the dangers of greed and the destructive nature of materialism.
Themes
One of the main themes in “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is the destructive power of greed. The story follows a young boy named Paul who becomes obsessed with winning money in order to please his mother, who is constantly dissatisfied with their financial situation. Paul’s desperation to win leads him to ride his rocking-horse until he enters a trance-like state and receives the names of winning horses. However, his success comes at a great cost as he becomes physically and mentally exhausted, ultimately leading to his tragic death. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of finding contentment in life.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner.” The rocking-horse itself is a symbol of the boy’s desire to win his mother’s love and approval. The horse’s constant motion represents the boy’s frantic efforts to achieve this goal. The whispering house and the phrase “there must be more money” are also symbolic of the family’s obsession with wealth and material possessions. The boy’s ability to predict the winners of horse races through his rocking-horse is a symbol of his supernatural gift, but also his tragic downfall. Overall, the use of symbolism in the story adds depth and meaning to the characters and their actions.
Irony
Irony is a prevalent theme in D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner.” The story is filled with instances of dramatic irony, where the reader knows more than the characters do. For example, the mother believes that luck is the key to happiness, but the reader knows that her obsession with money is what is causing her family’s misery. Additionally, the children believe that their father is unlucky, but the reader knows that he is simply unable to provide for his family due to his own financial struggles. The ultimate irony of the story is that Paul’s quest for luck ultimately leads to his death, despite his mother’s belief that money and luck are the keys to happiness.
The Rocking-Horse
“The Rocking-Horse” is a central symbol in D.H. Lawrence’s short story “The Rocking-Horse Winner.” The horse, which is described as “a big, glossy rocking-horse, with a long black mane and tail,” is a source of fascination for the story’s protagonist, Paul. He spends hours riding the horse, which seems to come to life and take him on wild journeys. However, the horse also represents the greed and materialism that drive Paul’s family. His mother is obsessed with money and status, and Paul believes that he can use his ability to predict the winners of horse races to win enough money to satisfy her. In the end, the horse becomes a symbol of Paul’s tragic downfall, as he rides it to exhaustion in his desperate quest for wealth.
The Whispering House
The Whispering House in “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a symbol of the family’s greed and desire for wealth. It is said that the house whispers to its inhabitants, urging them to seek more money and material possessions. The protagonist, Paul, becomes obsessed with winning money to satisfy the whispers of the house and his mother’s insatiable desire for wealth. The Whispering House represents the destructive power of greed and the dangers of valuing material possessions above all else. As the story unfolds, the house becomes a haunting presence, driving Paul to his tragic end.
Paul’s Obsession
Paul, the protagonist of “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” is a young boy who becomes obsessed with the idea of luck. He believes that his family’s financial troubles are due to their lack of luck, and he becomes determined to change their fortunes. Paul’s obsession with luck leads him to spend hours riding his rocking-horse, which he believes can help him predict the winners of horse races. As he becomes more and more consumed by his obsession, Paul’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and he begins to neglect his schoolwork and his relationships with his family members. Ultimately, Paul’s obsession with luck leads him to make a dangerous bet that has tragic consequences.
Paul’s Relationship with His Mother
Paul’s relationship with his mother is a complex one that drives the plot of D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner.” From the beginning, it is clear that Paul’s mother is dissatisfied with her life and constantly yearns for more money. She is distant from her children and seems to view them as a burden rather than a joy. Paul, however, is determined to win his mother’s love and affection by fulfilling her desire for wealth. He becomes obsessed with horse racing and uses his gift for picking winners to accumulate a large sum of money. Despite his success, however, his mother remains distant and ungrateful, leading to a tragic conclusion. The relationship between Paul and his mother highlights the destructive power of greed and the importance of genuine love and affection in a family.
Paul’s Relationship with His Uncle
Paul’s relationship with his uncle is a complex one, as it is with most family members. His uncle, Oscar Cresswell, is a wealthy man who often visits the family and flaunts his wealth in front of them. Paul is fascinated by his uncle’s lifestyle and wants to emulate it. However, his uncle is also a negative influence on Paul, as he encourages him to gamble and take risks. This ultimately leads to Paul’s downfall, as he becomes obsessed with winning money to please his mother and uncle. Despite this, Paul still looks up to his uncle and seeks his approval, even as he spirals out of control. Their relationship highlights the destructive nature of greed and the importance of positive role models in a child’s life.
Paul’s Winning Streak
Paul, the protagonist of “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” is a young boy who becomes obsessed with winning money for his family. He discovers that he has a unique talent for predicting the winners of horse races, and he uses this skill to accumulate a large sum of money. However, his winning streak comes at a great cost.
Paul’s mother, who is consumed by her desire for wealth and social status, is initially thrilled by her son’s success. She spends the money as quickly as it comes in, but it is never enough. Paul becomes increasingly desperate to please his mother and satisfy her insatiable appetite for money.
As Paul’s winning streak continues, he becomes more and more consumed by his obsession. He spends hours on his rocking-horse, frantically riding back and forth in an attempt to predict the next winner. His health begins to suffer, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends.
Despite his best efforts, Paul is unable to satisfy his mother’s greed. In the end, he dies from exhaustion and despair, leaving behind a family that is no better off than before. “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is a haunting tale of the dangers of greed and the destructive power of obsession.
The Tragic Ending
The tragic ending of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” leaves readers with a sense of despair and sadness. After Paul’s relentless pursuit of luck and money, he finally wins a large sum of money on a horse race. However, his joy is short-lived as he falls ill and dies shortly after. His mother, who had been consumed by her desire for wealth, is left with nothing but guilt and regret. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of finding true happiness in life.
Analysis of the Story
The story of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence is a complex and intriguing tale that delves into the themes of greed, luck, and the destructive nature of materialism. The protagonist, Paul, is a young boy who becomes obsessed with winning money in order to please his mother, who is constantly dissatisfied with their financial situation. Paul’s obsession leads him to ride his rocking-horse furiously, as if he were racing to the finish line. His frenzied riding eventually leads him to a state of trance, where he is able to predict the winners of horse races. However, his success comes at a great cost, as he becomes increasingly ill and eventually dies. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of finding happiness in non-materialistic pursuits.
Critical Reception
“The Rocking-Horse Winner” has been widely praised for its psychological depth and exploration of the destructive effects of greed and materialism. Critics have noted Lawrence’s use of symbolism, particularly the rocking-horse as a metaphor for the protagonist’s desperate search for wealth and success. The story has also been praised for its haunting and eerie atmosphere, which adds to the sense of foreboding and tragedy.
However, some critics have criticized the story for its heavy-handed moralizing and simplistic portrayal of characters. Some have also argued that the story’s themes are too narrow and limited, and that it fails to address larger social and political issues.
Despite these criticisms, “The Rocking-Horse Winner” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature, and continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
Adaptations
One of the most notable adaptations of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is the 1949 film directed by Anthony Pelissier. The film stays true to the original story, but adds a few elements to enhance the visual experience. For example, the film shows the rocking-horse coming to life and galloping through the house, which adds a surreal and eerie quality to the story. The film also features strong performances from the cast, particularly John Mills as the troubled father and Valerie Hobson as the mother who is consumed by her desire for wealth. Overall, the film adaptation is a haunting and effective retelling of Lawrence’s classic tale.
Impact on Literature
D.H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner” has had a significant impact on literature since its publication in 1926. The story’s exploration of the destructive nature of greed and the pursuit of wealth has resonated with readers for decades. The use of symbolism, particularly the rocking-horse, has become a staple in literary analysis and has been studied in classrooms around the world. The story’s haunting and tragic ending has also left a lasting impression on readers, cementing its place as a classic work of literature. Overall, “The Rocking-Horse Winner” has had a profound impact on the literary world and continues to be a powerful and thought-provoking read.