The Rocking-Horse Winner Group

Question:

g-unit
g-unit
Student
High School - 11th Grade

What are the main themes involved with A Rocking Horse Winner?

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Posted by g-unit on Sunday November 4, 2007 at 6:45 PM and tagged with the rocking-horse winner, themes.

Answers:


  1. rowens Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    There are several themes in this story.  Some of them are discussed in the link I am posting below.

    Probably the most obvious theme deals with greed and generosity.  Paul's Mother has insatiable greed, and no matter how much Paul gives her, she is never happy.  She squanders the money Paul provides and wants MORE MORE MORE. In the end, Paul dies trying to win more money for his mother.

    This desire to please his mother and win her love points to a second theme.  One might argue for a Freudian interpretation with Paul displaying an Oedipal complex. Paul is definitely in competition with his father as bread winner for the family, and he certainly wants to gain his mother's love and approval.  Unfortunately, he never does.

    Other themes include responsibility or lack thereof and the vain pursuit of love.

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

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    Posted by rowens on Sunday November 4, 2007 at 8:22 PM