Themes: Money and Socioeconomic Status

“The Rocking-Horse Winner” centers on a family in which each parent makes “a small income, but not nearly enough for the social position which they had to keep up.” The mother grew up “with all the advantages,” so she expects and desires a certain standard of living that she and her husband are not capable of maintaining. However, they seem to ignore the reality of their financial situation, indulging in “expensive and wonderful presents” for...

Themes: Luck and Success

“Luck” is a key word in “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” an abstract quality valued by the mother and then by Paul and viewed as a panacea for all the family’s problems. Paul asks his mother early in the story, “Is luck money, mother?” after she claims that her husband has no luck. She replies that luck “causes you to have money”; therefore, in her eyes, “it’s better to be born lucky than rich. . . . You can always get more money.” The mother’s...

Themes: Family Dynamics

The story begins with a description of the mother and the surprising revelation that there “was a hard little place [in her heart] that could not feel love.” Though outsiders assume she loves her children, “she herself, and her children themselves, knew it was not so.” The mother is resentful that her husband “has no luck” and that both marriage partners earn only small incomes. Her focus on money distracts her from forming emotional connections...

Themes: Greed

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," greed is a central theme that drives the narrative and leads to tragic outcomes. The story illustrates how the relentless pursuit of wealth and material possessions can consume individuals and destroy familial bonds. The characters' obsession with money creates a cycle of dissatisfaction and longing, ultimately resulting in the demise of young Paul, who sacrifices himself in a futile attempt to satisfy his mother's...

Themes: Materialism

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," materialism is a central theme that drives the narrative and shapes the characters' lives. The story critiques the destructive nature of materialism, illustrating how the relentless pursuit of wealth can overshadow genuine human relationships and lead to tragic consequences. Through the characters and their actions, the story reveals the emptiness and futility of equating happiness with material possessions.

The...

Themes: Love

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," the theme of love is intricately tied to materialism and emotional emptiness. The story explores how the pursuit of wealth can overshadow genuine affection and connection. Paul's desperate attempt to win his mother's love by acquiring money underscores the futility of equating financial success with emotional fulfillment. The narrative reveals a tragic cycle where love is replaced by a relentless desire for more...

Themes: Money

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," money is a central theme that drives the plot and characters. The story explores the destructive nature of materialism and the insatiable pursuit of wealth. The characters' obsession with money leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the futility of equating wealth with happiness and love.

The irony in the story underscores the theme of money. The boy, Paul, believes that by winning money, he can silence the...