Like a teenager’s selfish desire to obtain status through possessions, Paul’s mother demonstrates the same immature importance of material objects and outward appearance in D.H Lawrence’s short story “The Rocking-Horse Winner.” This wonderful depiction of the destructive nature of materialism sets an example for all. As the mother’s wanting exceeds the family’s income her selfishness places a strain on the entire household, ultimately leading to disastrous consequences.
Young Paul desires the love of a cold and distant mother and is determined to find the luck that his mother insists their family lacks. According to her, luck leads to money and their household never seems to have enough to suit her. Paul recognizes the anxiety as the house seems to whisper “there must be more money.” He desperately rides his rocking horse until a voice tells him the winner of the local horse derby. He then bets money hoping to gain money to satisfy his mother and in return gain her love. With more money, the whisper in the house becomes louder and louder as his mother spends it all. In the end Paul rides so long and hard to find a winner that he dies, leaving his family with 80,000 pounds. Paul’s last words: “Mother, did I ever tell you? I am lucky!”
What do I need to add to this review?
I'm not sure what to do in the conclusion.
I think she was very selfish and ultimately her desire for possessions put too much pressure on the household--and her family paid an unimaginable price.
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