A Literary Analysis Of 'The Rocking Horse Winner'
Shannon Nease
September 23, 2013
“The Rocking Horse Winner” Analysis
“The Rocking Horse Winner” presents a middles class family whose parents are consumed by materialism, the consequences of which affect the children, especially the protagonist, Paul. Third person omniscient point of view allows for; Paul’s feelings and development, the mother’s selfishness and detachment from other people, and the uncle’s greed off of Paul’s gambling to be portrayed. The thoughts and motives of each character are told through that point of view. The supernatural and fairytale-like mood enhances the effect of Paul’s story by making it so much more believable and keeps the story entertaining. The thirst for wealth and greed can never be satisfied and is …show more content…
Any amount of money is never satisfying to her. Since the mother doesn’t voice her need for money, the house does. Around Christmas time and when Paul gives his mother a thousand pounds each month the whispers from the house become louder and more prominent to Paul. He covers his ears with his hands to soften the cries of the house and wants it to stop. The whispers are continuous, significant of the mother’s greed and how it can never be satisfied, and Paul’s cry for her love. The rocking horse symbolizes the innocence of childhood by being a toy representing the happiness and carefree essence of children’s lives. Because the story is written like a fairytale, it’s believable that the horse gives Paul magical powers. Which easily makes it, “Paul’s secret of secrets” (322) by helping him pursue money and material gain to win his mother’s love, and reflects how he will do anything for her. The nameless horse makes him think that he is going somewhere but he’s not. It emphasizes his attitude about his mission by the description of how he frantically rides it. Racing affects Paul because he becomes completely consumed by it. His need for money keeps growing, like his mother, so he relies on
September 23, 2013
“The Rocking Horse Winner” Analysis
“The Rocking Horse Winner” presents a middles class family whose parents are consumed by materialism, the consequences of which affect the children, especially the protagonist, Paul. Third person omniscient point of view allows for; Paul’s feelings and development, the mother’s selfishness and detachment from other people, and the uncle’s greed off of Paul’s gambling to be portrayed. The thoughts and motives of each character are told through that point of view. The supernatural and fairytale-like mood enhances the effect of Paul’s story by making it so much more believable and keeps the story entertaining. The thirst for wealth and greed can never be satisfied and is …show more content…
Any amount of money is never satisfying to her. Since the mother doesn’t voice her need for money, the house does. Around Christmas time and when Paul gives his mother a thousand pounds each month the whispers from the house become louder and more prominent to Paul. He covers his ears with his hands to soften the cries of the house and wants it to stop. The whispers are continuous, significant of the mother’s greed and how it can never be satisfied, and Paul’s cry for her love. The rocking horse symbolizes the innocence of childhood by being a toy representing the happiness and carefree essence of children’s lives. Because the story is written like a fairytale, it’s believable that the horse gives Paul magical powers. Which easily makes it, “Paul’s secret of secrets” (322) by helping him pursue money and material gain to win his mother’s love, and reflects how he will do anything for her. The nameless horse makes him think that he is going somewhere but he’s not. It emphasizes his attitude about his mission by the description of how he frantically rides it. Racing affects Paul because he becomes completely consumed by it. His need for money keeps growing, like his mother, so he relies on