Explication and Analysis for Rocking Horse Winner

Analysis for “The Rocking-Horse Winner” D. H. Lawrence’s “The Rocking-Horse Winner” is an on-the-edge short story that teaches an important lesson about the dangers and consequences from pursuing too much wealth and possessions. Purposely narrated in an omniscient point of view, this short story interweaves situational and imagery to illustrate that materialism will not satisfy the deepest yearnings of the heart. The first instance of situational irony is found in the beginning of the story, where Hester, the mother had all the possessions that anyone could wish for in her early years, but bad circumstances occurred that stripped all her wealth and material goods away. Her dissatisfaction and continual desire for something more, something greater prevented her giving her children what they really needed: love. But, ironically, though she knows her heart is hardened, to hide her pride, she pretends to affectionately care for her children to make neighbors and strangers think that she is a great example of a loving mother. This circumstance shows that an unhealthy and unrelenting pursuit of self –satisfaction will only lead to heartbreak. As Hester finally comprehended the importance of love and showered it on her eldest son, Paul, he was on death’s lair. Paul’s death also illustrates irony because he was the chance for his mother’s happiness, but he left before she could obtain it. In a way, this situational irony reminds the reader that all the treasures and the wealth of the world are fleeting, which parallels that fact that it can only bring
Luong 2 temporary satisfaction. Greed and lusts after the tidbits in the world not only corrupted the mother, but it led to unalterable consequences, such as Paul’s death. Paul’s actions to be luck and please his mother is also another example of situational irony. Paul, in his quest to be lucky, furiously rides his rocking-horse to get inspiration on which horses’ names to bet on in horse races. However, this