D.H. Lawrence’s short story, “The Rocking Horse Winner,” is a chilling exploration of greed, materialism, and the destructive power of a mother’s indifference. Set against a backdrop of a family plagued by financial woes and a palpable sense of unease, the narrative centers on a young boy named Paul and his desperate attempts to win his mother’s love and secure his family’s fortune.
The Unsettling Atmosphere and a Mother’s Coldness
From the outset, the story immerses the reader in an atmosphere thick with unspoken anxieties. The house itself seems to possess a malevolent awareness, whispering of the family’s impending financial ruin. This pervasive dread is amplified by the mother’s character. She is depicted as a woman consumed by a desire for wealth and social standing, her affection for her children noticeably absent. Her coldness and detachment are a constant source of pain for young Paul, who desperately craves her approval and attention. He observes, “His mother did not love him. She only loved gifts, and he had nothing to give her.” This lack of maternal warmth becomes the central driving force behind Paul’s extraordinary and ultimately tragic endeavors.
Paul’s Gift and the Rocking Horse
Paul, however, possesses a peculiar gift: a clairvoyant ability to discern the outcomes of horse races. This uncanny talent emerges not from logical deduction but from a desperate, almost mystical connection he forms with his rocking horse. He rides the horse with frenzied intensity, seeking answers in its rhythmic motion, striving to predict the winners. This connection to the rocking horse becomes his conduit to the world of chance and fortune. He uses this ability to anonymously provide his mother with money, hoping to alleviate her constant worry and, in turn, earn her love.
“He knew, with the certainty of hatred that it was a lie. ‘It’s because of the two boys that were drowned in the sea. They said that was the place to come to, to find money.'”
The Escalation of Greed and the Family’s Decline
As Paul’s “luck” continues, the family’s financial situation improves, but the underlying rot of materialism deepens. Paul’s father, initially skeptical, becomes complicit, and his mother, while benefiting from the influx of cash, remains emotionally distant, her desire for more money insatiable. Paul, caught in this cycle of greed, grows increasingly frail and obsessed with his gift. He confides in his nurse, Joan, about his abilities, and she becomes a silent observer of his doomed quest. The more money Paul wins, the more he alienates himself from the simple joys of childhood, his health deteriorating with each successful prediction.
The Tragic Climax and a Mother’s Realization
The story culminates on Derby Day, a day of great anticipation for the family. Paul, in his weakened state, has placed a substantial bet on a horse named “Lucky Prince.” He rides his rocking horse with a fervor that appears almost supernatural, his eyes glowing with an unnatural intensity. He is determined to win one last, decisive amount for his mother, an amount he believes will finally win her love. However, the strain is too much for his young body. After the race, which Lucky Prince wins, Paul collapses, dying in his mother’s arms. In this final, devastating moment, his mother finally realizes the true cost of her materialism and the depth of her son’s sacrifice. She grasps the extent of her failure to nurture and love her child, a realization that comes only with his death.
Themes and Enduring Legacy
“The Rocking Horse Winner” is a stark allegory for the destructive nature of greed and the profound importance of genuine love and emotional connection. Lawrence masterfully portrays how a focus on material wealth can corrupt individuals and destroy families. Paul’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the tragic consequences of parental neglect and the innocent pursuit of validation in a loveless environment. The story’s enduring power lies in its unsettling atmosphere, its complex characters, and its timeless message about the true meaning of wealth and love. The narrative compels readers to reflect on the values they prioritize and the impact of those values on the lives of those they hold dear.
