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 with her children. It could be argued, however, that she shows some affection for the children when she spoils them with “expensive and wonderful toys” and when she demonstrates concern for Paul’s well-being late in the story.
For his part, Paul seems to want to earn his mother’s love and approval, even if it is true that he senses she does not love him or his sisters. When he learns how highly his mother values luck, Paul is determined to discover its secret workings so that he can take advantage of it and impress his mother. When he claims that he is “a lucky person,” he knows the mother does not believe him, but he “want[s] to make her believe him.” After he accumulates a hefty sum from his winnings, Paul decides to give some to his mother but doesn’t want her to know it’s from him, sensing that she would have trouble accepting that her young son is supporting the family. Paul tells Uncle Oscar that he wants to give the money to her so the “house might stop whispering.” This suggests that Paul wants the financial problems to be solved more than he wants to please his mother out of affection.
Later, just before Paul dies, he ecstatically reveals to his mother that he is lucky. Though the child is in a state of madness at the time, his last words to his mother could imply that he wants his mother to be proud of him. The stronger condemnation of the mother’s behavior comes from Uncle Oscar, who weighs Paul’s death against the eighty thousand pounds the mother will now have. When he says the boy is “best gone out of a life where he rides his rocking-horse to find a winner,” Oscar is subtly critiquing the mother for putting her child in a position where he felt he had to become a gambler simply to quiet the desires for more money coming from her and from the house.
The mother has a complex relationship with her own family, as she grew up wealthy, but also warns her son against the dangers of gambling because hers “was a gambling family.” It is unclear what “problems” and “damage” the family suffered as a result, but the mother seems to resent the role gambling played in her family dynamic. This is why Paul cannot tell his mother until he is nearly dead that it is luck and gambling that created the funds she will now inherit. The mother’s last words in the story are simply “No, you never did,” in response to Paul’s question of whether he had ever told her how lucky he was. There is no emotion associated with this response, nor do we see her reaction to Oscar’s point. Lawrence leaves the ending ambiguous as to whether the mother mourns the loss of her son or has learned anything about valuing money over the emotional and physical well-being of her family.
Expert Q&A
How does the mother in "The Rocking Horse Winner" differ from fairy tale stepmothers, and why is her love for her husband gone?
The mother in "The Rocking Horse Winner" differs from fairy tale stepmothers by being perceived as a loving biological parent, though internally she lacks genuine affection for her children. Her love for her husband has vanished due to his financial inadequacy, leading to a perpetual sense of "bad luck" and dissatisfaction. Her emotional void and greed drive her son, Paul, to seek "luck" through gambling, ultimately highlighting the destructive nature of her insatiable desire for wealth.
What is the main issue in the family in "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
The main issue in the family is the mother's inability to love, as depicted in "The Rocking-Horse Winner." Hester, the mother, is emotionally distant from her husband and children, and equates luck with wealth. Despite living comfortably, the family feels constant financial pressure, symbolized by the house's whispers for more money. Young Paul believes he can earn his mother's love through winning money, but tragically dies trying to fulfill her insatiable greed.
What are D.H. Lawrence's comments on parenting in "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
In "The Rocking-Horse Winner", what role does the father play?
The father in "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is a largely absent and minor character. He is mentioned briefly as having a small income and working in "some office," but his prospects never improve. His lack of financial success contributes to the family's constant anxiety over money, paralleling the mother's desires. The father's vague presence underscores the primary focus on Paul and his mother's relationship and their obsession with wealth.
In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," why is Paul's mother unnamed until the end?
Paul's mother remains unnamed until the end to emphasize the universality of her materialistic nature, as she could represent any mother driven by materialism. This choice by D.H. Lawrence highlights how such an outlook can damage family relationships and love. Her eventual naming as Hester underscores her self-centeredness and lack of awareness of Paul's sacrifices, reinforcing the mystery and tragedy of his actions to secure her happiness.
Is the mother or another character most responsible for the boy's death in "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
The mother is most responsible for the boy's death in "The Rocking-Horse Winner." Her obsession with wealth and materialism creates a haunting refrain in the house that pressures Paul to win money through betting. Despite his efforts, his mother's cold and unyielding desire for more money intensifies, driving Paul to a fatal frenzy. While other characters like Basset and Uncle Oscar play minor roles, the mother's influence is the primary cause of Paul's tragic demise.
Does Hester's love for her son change throughout "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
Hester's love for her son Paul in "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is largely absent or insufficient. Initially, she sees her children as burdens rather than emotional assets. Her lack of awareness about the connection between Paul's actions and their financial benefits persists until he falls ill. Even then, her concern appears superficial, as she delegates much of his care to others. Her maternal feelings, if present, seem too late to impact Paul's fate meaningfully.
Does the mother change in D. H. Lawrence's "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," the mother undergoes two changes. Initially, her obsession with wealth intensifies after receiving a large monetary gift, reflecting her insatiable greed. However, she later experiences a shift toward genuine concern for her son, Paul, as she notices his deteriorating condition. Despite this newfound worry, her emotional detachment remains evident, particularly after Paul's death, highlighting her persistent materialistic values over familial bonds.
What causes the "hard little place" in the mother's heart in "The Rocking-Horse Winner"?
The "hard little place" in the mother's heart in "The Rocking-Horse Winner" stems from her deep-seated discontent and inability to love, despite having many advantages. Hester, the mother, feels burdened by her children and attributes her emotional void to a lack of luck and an unknown fault in herself. Her heart's hardness prevents her from loving others or herself, and her attempts to fill this void through materialism are futile, leading to a tragic end.
How does parental influence affect Paul in "The Rocking Horse Winner"?
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