The Rocking-Horse Winner Group

Question:

icy
icy
Student
College - Freshman

What does the rocking-horse symbolize in "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?

I need 3 things symbolizing the rocking -horse and How?

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Posted by icy on Friday July 11, 2008 at 4:06 PM and tagged with rocking horse, symbol, the rocking-horse winner.

Answers:


  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    eNotes Editor

     The rocking-horse symbolizes several closely linked themes in this story. First, it symbolizes how far the economic fears of the family reach. A children's play area should be free of such fears, but they reach even into the place where the horse is. Second, it shows how ambition does not ever stop. Like the rocking-horse, every forward rock/step/motion is matched by a backward one. Think of how the house is haunted: " There must be more money! There must be more money!" Third, it shows the undercurrent of sexual tension in the desire.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/rocking-horse-winner/themes

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    Posted by gbeatty on Friday July 11, 2008 at 5:37 PM

  2. lewismct
    lewismct Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Paul's horse is the symbol for masturbation and release as he rides 'to get there.' He lusts for the affection of his mother and in his doomed attempt to consolidate it, he fails as all his dreams come crashing down around him.

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    Posted by lewismct on Sunday July 13, 2008 at 3:23 PM