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!” .Characters
Bassett
Bassett is the family gardener who helps Paul place bets on horses. He used to work around horses and racing and he talks about racing all the time, so it seems reasonable that Paul would seek his advice. He takes the boy seriously and follows all the boy's instructions in placing the bets. He also keeps Paul's money safely hidden away, at least until Uncle Oscar gets involved. He is the only adult who treats Paul with a serious respect. It is Bassett's seriousness that convinces Uncle Oscar that Paul's gift for picking winners is real. He is trustworthy and kind, but he is also a servant, so once Uncle Oscar takes over, he respectfully withdraws from the action.
if theres anythinh i need to add or fix can you correctg it and give me some tips to make my short story review better and is this enough for a review of the shortstory
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