The Rocking-horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence

 

The Rocking-horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence

Understanding The Text

1. What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it find expression?

Ans: Paul was restless because he kept hearing whispers in the house saying they needed more money. He tried to help by riding his rocking horse a lot, hoping it would tell him which horses would win races.

2. Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000 pounds for five years?

Ans: Paul's mother wasn't happy with getting 1,000 pounds each year for her birthday because:

(a) She was used to spending more money.

(b) She owed money to people.

(c) She always wanted more, no matter how much she had.

3. What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older?

Ans: Paul's mother got worried about him as he grew up because:

(a) She saw that he was getting too excited about horse racing.

(b) She thought his eyes looked strange.

(d) She felt something wasn't right with how Paul was behaving.

4. Paul’s final bet made the family rich but cost him his life. Explain.

Ans: Paul's last bet made his family very rich. They won over 80,000 pounds! But Paul got so tired from rocking on his horse to find the winner that he got very sick. Sadly, even though the family got a lot of money, Paul died because he worked too hard to get it.

Talking About the Text

Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups

1. ‘Luck is necessary for success in life’.

Ans: In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," Paul's 'luck' brings money but costs his life. The story suggests that luck alone isn't true success. Paul's obsession with being lucky leads to tragedy, not happiness. It makes us question whether luck is really necessary for success, or if it can be harmful when pursued desperately.

2. Although Paul’s mother liked to be rich she did not approve of betting on horses.

Ans: In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," Paul's mom warns him about gambling, saying, "I think you care too much about these races. It’s a bad sign." She knows gambling has hurt her family and worries it will harm Paul too. Even though she likes money, she doesn't want Paul to bet on horses, showing how she struggles with wanting money but hating gambling.

3. What were the voices that Paul heard? Did they lead him to success in the real sense?

Ans: Paul heard whispers saying, "There must be more money!" These voices made him bet on horse races to win money. Although he did win money, it didn't lead to true success because it made him stressed and unhappy. In the end, the voices led to a sad outcome instead of real success and happiness.

Appreciation

1. Examine the communication channels in the story between

a. Paul and his mother

Paul wants his mom's love, but she is mostly worried about money. They don't talk very openly, and Paul feels he has to make money to make her happy.

b. Paul and Bassett

Paul and Bassett, the gardener, share a secret about betting on horse races. They work together to win money.

c. Paul and his uncle

Paul and Uncle Oscar talk more openly. Uncle Oscar helps Paul with his betting and supports him.

d. Bassett and Paul’s uncle

Bassett and Uncle Oscar talk about the bets and how to manage them. They help Paul with his gambling.

e. Paul’s mother and his uncle

Paul’s mother and Uncle Oscar talk about money problems. Uncle Oscar sometimes helps with money and listens to her worries.

2. How has the author linked the symbol of the rocking-horse to Paul’s triumphs at the races?

Ans: The author links the rocking-horse to Paul's wins by making it magical for him. When Paul rides it, he feels he can predict the winning horses in races. The rocking-horse symbolizes his intense desire to solve his family's money problems, but it has tragic consequences, showing that success can come at a high cost.

3. The ending of the story is an instance of irony. Suppose Paul had not died at the end, how would you have reacted to the story?

Ans: If Paul had not died at the end of "The Rocking-Horse Winner," the story would feel very different. I would feel relieved that Paul was safe after working so hard to win money for his family. However, the story would still be sad because it shows how much pressure he felt to make his mother happy. Without the tragic ending, the message about the dangers of wanting too much money might be less strong, but it would still make me think about how important love and family are over wealth.

Language Work

1. ‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush’.

a. Explain the above statement in the literal sense.

This proverb means that it is better to have a sure thing (the bird in hand) than to risk losing it by trying to get something better (two birds in the bush).

b. Explain it in the context in which it is mentioned in the story.

In "The Rocking-Horse Winner," this proverb could suggest that Paul and his family should appreciate what they have rather than constantly seeking more money, which leads to their downfall.

c. Is there a corresponding proverb in your own language?

नौ नगद न तेरह उधार

2. Explain the following phrases

Sure as eggs

This means something is certain or guaranteed.

Sentence: "I’ll be there on time, sure as eggs."

Spinning yarns

This means telling long, exaggerated stories.

Sentence: "Grandpa loves spinning yarns about his childhood adventures."

Turned to dust

This means something has decayed, disintegrated, or been destroyed.

Sentence: "The old building turned to dust after years of neglect."

3. Given below is the dictionary meaning of

Smirk : to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself.

Look up the dictionary for the following words which are also related to facial expressions and write down the meaning of each

 

smile    grin    grimace    sneer

 

Smile: To show happiness or amusement by turning up the corners of the mouth.

Grin: A broad smile that shows teeth.

Grimace: A twisted expression on the face showing pain, disgust, or disapproval.

Sneer: A mocking smile or tone, showing contempt or disdain