Themes in The Rocking Horse Winner Essay

The Rocking Horse Winner

Thematic Essay

D.H. Lawrence, the author of The Rocking Horse Winner holds many titles in the literary world. Lawrence sees the Modern Society of the early 1900s as degrading. He voices his thoughts through his books. Lawrence fought to stop severe suppression, and wasnt fond of friendly gatherings. These actions Lawrence took led him to be well known in the early 1900s.

In this story there are several issues taking place within this family. For instance, there is no love, or closeness of family present in this story. It lacks the bond that a father, and a son might share. This could be, because it is said that the author had strong animosity towards his own father. Everybody seems to be doing their own thing. There is also a big communication gap. Authors often use experiences that have affected them, and express it through their work. The Rocking Horse Winner portrays some characteristics of how the author may feel.

In The Rocking Horse Winner the author takes you on a paranormal experience. Where you know its not rue, but you want to imagine the possibilities. The paranormal part gives the story a nice little twist. There are many different aspects throughout this story. For example, greed, gambling, values, and believing in something is all present. The characters in the story plays a part of all these things throughout the story.

The story surfaces around a mother, who is self centered, and loves money. A young boy, who tries to prove himself to his mother. A servant who befriends a young boy, maybe for his own personal gain. A father who is barely mentioned throughout the whole story. An uncle who condones a gambling relationship with his young nephew. Last, but not least a house that talks, and a rocking horse that can predict the winning horse in a race.

The mother is portrayed as cold, never satisfied, not loving. She feels her life was sacrificed, because she married an unlucky man. To the neighbors she is known as the doting mother. In the house there is barely any communication present in this home. She doesnt have much interaction with the children. Other characteristics she displays is greed, wanting to be the center of attention, and values that luck is the answer to all wealth. She shares this belief with her young son who holds it dearly.

Paul is the only son in the family. Paul being curious asks his mother, Why dont they own a vehicle? She discloses to Paul they were the less fortunate of the family. Paul continuing to pry learns they are unfortunate, because his doesnt have luck. Wondering if his mother is lucky, she explains; she too is unlucky, because of his father. Pauls mother explains that having luck will be the answer to obtaining wealth. Pondering this information Paul decides to announce that hes lucky.

Now Pauls mother is eager to know how he is so lucky. Pauls response its not quite what shes expecting, so she becomes amused. Pauls not happy with his mothers response. He can see the disbelief in her face, this leaves Paul quite angry. Paul vows to prove to his mother he is lucky. He sets out on a mission to do so.

Up in Pauls room is where he sits upon the rocking horse. He rides it as if hed entered the derby. Paul rides that horse vigorously like hes in another dimension. Returning Paul gets off his horse looks it straight in the eyes, and instructs it to find luck. Witnessing this strange behavior, Paul mother calls to him. It appears he is in a trance. Returning from his last trip Paul announces he has reached his destination. Seeing this strange behavior Pauls mother, and uncle discovers his love for horses. Joan, Pauls eldest sister reveals Pauls been talking about the races with Bassett. This news is great to uncle Oscar, especially when he learns Paul names his horse after winning horses.

Bassett is hired help, he tends to the garden. Paul not really having a relationship with his parents, spends time with Bassett. Bassett, and Paul share a love for the races. They love it so much that they become business partners. Paul discloses his partnership with Bassett to his uncle , and offers him a spot.

Intrigued by Pauls offer, Uncle Oscar invites Paul on a drive to the races. I believe Uncle Oscar is trying to see how effective is Pauls method. Unsure of Pauls choice of horse, his uncle is reluctant to bet. Uncle Oscar places a small wager on Pauls choice. When he sees that Pauls horse has won the race, this is now a start in a new partnership. Eager to know what Paul does with his winnings. Paul explains that its for his mother, because she is not lucky. He also reveals that their house is always speaking of not having enough money. This happens quite often, and no one seems to speak upon it. Continually hearing this whispering leaves Paul frightened. Paul asks his uncle to keep his secret. Pauls afraid his mother will stop his luck.

For his mothers birthday, Paul arranges to receive a gift for five consecutive years. Uncle Oscar has a lawyer draw up in heritance letter. Paul is sure this will please his mother. On the say of her birthday Paul sees his mother reading the mail. The expression on her face is blank. Disappointed Paul inquires about the mail. She says the letters were okay. Not satisfied with her new fortune, Paul mother requests the whole amount. Paul agrees with it just to see his mother happy.

Paul is preparing to leave for school. All his time is dedicated to his tutor, and Bassett. Disappointed about losing out on two big races, Paul is determined to win the derby. Noticing the anxiety that her son is displaying. Pauls mother suggests he leave for school earlier. Paul knows this cant happen, because he needs to win the derby. Realizing Pauls obsession with the races, hes cautioned about the dangers of gambling. Paul is warned if he continued with the races theyll be consequences. Paul couldnt have this happen, so he agrees to his mother terms.

The Derby is near, and Paul parents are at a social function. While there Pauls mother has a sudden thought of her son. Feeling uneasy she telephones home to ensure the safety of the children. The nurse ensures her their fine. Upon returning home Pauls mother goes straight to his room. A familiar sound is coming from the room. Opening the door Paul is riding his rocking horse vigorously. Seeing this strange behavior Pauls mother calls out to him. Paul screams out Its Malabar. Right after Paul is ill, and becomes unconscious. Paul stays this way for several days. Its only a visit from Bassett thats able to revive him. Bassett disclosing Pauls winnings excites him. Pauls victory has finally come, he proves to his mother that hes lucky. Unfortunately, his luck has run out, Paul dies right after. Uncle Oscar feels Paul death was best, because of the life he was living. Of course, Oscar doesnt forget to remind his sister of her new fortune.

Reading this story makes you think What roles were the adults playing? Pauls mother notices things about her son , but never really follows up on them. Bassett, and Uncle Oscar Did they just use Paul for their own personal gain? Surely they should have known a young boy shouldnt be gambling. Then theres Pauls behavior, a young boy; so determined to prove himself to his mother. Pauls relationship with his rocking horse is strange, but allows him to believe in something. Since theres no real interaction between this family. The house that whispers could just be the mother always complaining about money.