The Rocking-Horse Winner Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What main feeling permeates the atmosphere of the house described in the content?

  • Joy and contentment
  • Satisfaction with modest living
  • Indifference to material things
  • Desperation for wealth (correct)

What does Paul inquire about that indicates his concern for the family's financial status?

  • His mother's job prospects
  • The reasons for expensive toys
  • The need for a family car (correct)
  • Why they don't visit relatives more often

What does the mother suggest is the reason for their financial struggles?

  • The father's bad luck (correct)
  • The children's extravagant demands
  • Uncle Oscar's lack of support
  • Their expensive tastes

How do the children react when they hear the whispering phrase about money?

<p>They acknowledge it silently among themselves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul mistakenly believe 'filthy lucre' refers to in his conversation with his mother?

<p>Wealth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the mother imply about 'luck' when she discusses it with Paul?

<p>Luck does not guarantee money (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character represents the voice of material desire in the household?

<p>The doll (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is often implied by the children's reaction to the phrase about money?

<p>They sense a deep tension regarding finances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What amount did Uncle Oscar decide to put on Mirza at the races?

<p>Twenty pounds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which horse did the child choose to place a bet on?

<p>Daffodil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much money did the child end up with after Daffodil won?

<p>Four five-pound notes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's impression of Bassett's financial acumen?

<p>He assumed Bassett kept a larger reserve. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Uncle Oscar request regarding his discussion with Bassett?

<p>To keep the betting private. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's demeanor while watching the race?

<p>He looked calm and focused. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Uncle Oscar take Paul and Bassett to Richmond Park?

<p>To discuss racing events and betting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the child when he was asked if he was serious about his supposed winnings?

<p>He replied confidently that he was serious. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the amount Paul initially wagered on the horse?

<p>One thousand (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the house whispering?

<p>It represents the family's financial struggles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much did Oscar Cresswell win from the horse race?

<p>Two thousand (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Paul not want his mother to know about his luck?

<p>He thought she would stop him from betting. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul plan to provide financial support to his mother?

<p>By arranging for yearly gifts through his uncle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul feel about the whispers in the house?

<p>He hates them, associating them with financial troubles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the rationale behind Uncle Oscar's deception regarding the money?

<p>To provide a surprise for Paul's mother’s birthday. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul hope to achieve by being lucky in betting?

<p>To break the cycle of misfortune in the family. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul use to encourage the horse during his ride?

<p>A whip (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul's sister, Joan, feel about his riding habits?

<p>She wishes he would stop (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Paul's attitude towards speaking to others while riding?

<p>He ignores everyone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul demonstrate when he announces, 'Well, I got there'?

<p>Confidence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Uncle Oscar think of Paul's interest in horse racing?

<p>He is delighted (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the horse Paul rode last week?

<p>Sansovino (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who does Paul frequently ask for information about racing?

<p>Bassett (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What expression does Paul's mother have while watching him ride?

<p>Anxious (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul's mother express concern about regarding her son?

<p>His wellbeing and anxiety before the Derby (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Paul's response to his mother's worries about the Derby?

<p>He assures her he won't think too much about it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul desire instead of a rocking horse?

<p>A real horse (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul describe his rocking horse?

<p>Rather shabby but keeping him company (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sudden feeling does Paul's mother experience about him before the Derby?

<p>A rush of anxiety and uneasiness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul's mother do during a party when she felt anxious about him?

<p>Telephoned to inquire about his wellbeing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul's mother think about her feelings of anxiety towards him?

<p>They are irrational and should be ignored (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Paul's mother feel when she calls the nursery-governess?

<p>Anguish and concern about her son (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did Oscar Cresswell partake in regarding Malabar?

<p>He placed a bet of a thousand pounds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul's mother feel about Bassett's visit during her son's illness?

<p>She initially opposed but later agreed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul's condition as he lay on the pillow?

<p>He was tossing and restless. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What amount did Paul's winnings from Malabar amount to?

<p>Over eighty thousand pounds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best encapsulates Paul's belief about luck?

<p>He thought he could control his luck through actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Paul by the end of the excerpt?

<p>He dies during the night. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul's mother react to the news of his winnings?

<p>She is saddened by the loss of her son. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bassett whisper to Paul as he lies in bed?

<p>Malabar won the race. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

The Unspoken Phrase

A constant, unspoken need for more money, haunting the family and their possessions.

The Father's Lack of Success

The father, who is handsome and enjoys expensive things, is seen as unable to achieve success.

The Mother's Unsuccessful Pursuit

The mother, despite having confidence in herself, also fails to achieve success and shares the same expensive tastes as her husband.

Money's Presence in Possessions

The constant desire for more money pervades the family's life, even permeating their expensive toys and belongings.

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The Family's Poverty

The family's constant struggle for financial security is a clear indicator of their poverty.

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The Mother's Explanation for Poverty

The mother's explanation for their financial troubles is that the father lacks a quality called "luck."

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Filthy Lucre

A term for money, often associated with greed or dishonesty.

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Luck (in relation to money)

A quality that allows a person to have a lot of money, seen as something that can't be earned.

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Paul's obsession with winning

Paul's relentless determination to achieve his goal, despite the warnings and concerns from his mother and sister.

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Paul's belief in the rocking horse's power

Paul's belief that the rocking horse can take him to a place of luck, connected to his desire to alleviate his family's financial struggles.

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Paul's stubborn nature

The persistent and relentless nature of Paul's determination, emphasizing his inability to heed warnings or accept defeat.

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Paul's childhood innocence versus financial hardship

The contrast between Paul's youthful innocence and the harsh reality of his family's financial difficulties, which he desperately tries to overcome.

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The mother's financial anxieties

The unspoken pressure and strain on Paul's mother stemming from the family's financial struggles, contributing to his relentless drive to win.

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The influence of the racing world

The influence of the outside world, specifically the racing world, on Paul's behavior and thinking, leading to his obsession with winning.

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The lack of communication in the family

The importance of communication and understanding between family members, particularly between Paul and his mother, who are struggling to connect amidst the family's challenges.

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Bassett's influence on Paul

Bassett's role as a source of information and inspiration for Paul, representing a connection to the racing world that fuels his obsession.

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What is a 'put' in racing?

A bet made on a horse race, often involving a significant sum of money.

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What is a 'reserve' in betting?

A bet made with the specific intention of winning enough for a future financial goal, often involving a considerable sum.

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Who is 'Bassett'?

A person who is known for their ability to predict the outcome of horse races.

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Who is 'Paul'?

A child who is involved in betting on horse races and possesses a keen understanding of the process.

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What is a 'ten shilling start'?

An amount of money used to start a betting endeavor, with the potential for significant returns.

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What is being a 'partner' in betting?

The act of sharing the profits from a successful bet with another person, often in exchange for an initial investment.

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What is 'Honour bright'?

A promise made with strong ethical weight, suggesting a commitment to honesty and integrity.

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What is 'spinning yarns'?

A story or anecdote told in a casual manner, often for entertainment.

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House Whispering

The constant need for money that the family experiences is personified as a 'whispering' in their house, constantly reminding them of their financial struggles.

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Silencing the Whispers

The boy views his good fortune as a way to silence these 'whispers' and provide financial security for his mother, demonstrating his deep concern for her well-being.

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Father's Lack of Luck

Paul's mother believes their financial problems stem from his father's lack of 'luck,' attributing their poverty to a quality beyond their control.

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Hiding the Windfall

The boy's deliberate choice to conceal his winnings from his mother indicates his fear of disrupting her perception of their financial situation.

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Burden of Whispers

Despite his newfound wealth, Paul's feelings of burden are intensified by the 'whispers' of their financial struggles, highlighting the powerful impact of these unspoken anxieties.

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Son's Responsibility

The boy's desire to provide for his mother with the money he wins reflects a deep sense of familial responsibility and a wish to alleviate her burdens.

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Whispers as Symbolism

The 'whispers' symbolize the constant pressure of financial instability, suggesting they are not just sounds but a tangible representation of the family's anxieties.

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Uncle's Concern

Oscar's concern for his nephew's emotional well-being suggests that he understands the pressure surrounding the money and its potential impact on the family dynamics.

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Paul's Rocking Horse

The boy's secret fascination with horses, expressed through his rocking horse, foreshadows a future desire for wealth and status.

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The Mother's Anxiety

The mother's anxiety for her son becomes almost unbearable as the Derby approaches, reflecting her deep concern for his well-being.

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The Boy's Obsession with Horses

The boy's obsession with horses and the Derby symbolizes his pursuit of wealth, a desire rooted in the family's financial struggles.

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The Boy's Isolation

The boy's isolation and withdrawal suggest a growing disconnect from reality. His focus on the world of horses and the Derby highlights his inner turmoil.

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The Mother's Worry

The mother's constant worry about her son's mental state reflects the family's underlying tension and dissatisfaction.

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The Mother's Belief in

The mother's belief in

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The Boy's Connection to His Horse

The boy's unusual connection with his rocking horse emphasizes the psychological impact of the family's financial situation.

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The Mother's Lack of Understanding

The mother's inability to understand her son's obsession with horses reflects the widening gap between them.

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Rocking Horse = Financial Freedom?

Paul's obsession with winning on his rocking horse reflects a deeper longing to alleviate his family's financial troubles.

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Innocence vs. Hardship

The story highlights a stark contrast between Paul's innocent childhood and the harsh reality of his family's financial struggles. This fuels his relentless pursuit of winning.

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Paul's Belief in the Rocking Horse

Paul, with his unwavering belief that his rocking horse can lead him to a place of luck, symbolizes a child's idealistic hope for a better future. It's a hope that grows from a desperate need to help his family.

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Mother's Unspoken Burden

The mother constantly struggles with anxieties about the family's finances. Her unspoken pressure contributes to Paul's relentless drive to win.

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Father's

The father's inability to provide financial security, seen as a lack of

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Racing World = Family's Hope?

The racing world's influence on Paul's behavior is clear. He's consumed by its excitement and the promise of winning, mirroring the family's desperate hope for financial gain.

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Silence = Lost Connection

The lack of open communication in the family, particularly between Paul and his mother, contributes to their shared struggles and Paul's desperate attempts to help.

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Bassett: Mentor or Catalyst?

Bassett, with his inside knowledge of the racing world, serves as a mentor and source of inspiration for Paul, fueling his obsession and belief in the rocking horse's power.

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Study Notes

The Rocking-Horse Winner

  • A beautiful woman, despite advantages, felt unlucky. She married for love, but it turned to dust.
  • She had children, but felt they were thrust upon her, unable to fully love them.
  • Her children sensed a lack of genuine love from her.
  • Despite outward appearances of a good mother, she lacked genuine affection for anyone, particularly her children.
  • The family lived in a nice house but felt financially anxious.
  • A boy, Paul, struggled with the family’s financial concerns and felt a strong need for money.
  • He believed luck was the key to wealth and chased it relentlessly on a rocking horse obsessively.
  • Paul’s obsession with winning intensified as wealth and status became increasingly important to him.
  • His mother sensed his obsession but didn't understand the depth of his concerns.
  • Paul’s single-minded pursuit of a win led him to find success with a horse race, and he won dramatically.
  • Even though wealth followed his victory, Paul is ultimately consumed by his obsession.
  • He became ill and died, at a young age.

Character Analysis

  • Paul: A young boy driven by a desperate need for money. He believed luck was the key.
  • Mother: Beautiful, but lacks genuine affection. She is consumed by social expectations. She represents the idea that material possessions cannot fulfil emotional needs.
  • Uncle Oscar: A figure who represents the pursuit of wealth but seems to lack depth.

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Description

Explore the themes and characters in 'The Rocking-Horse Winner', a poignant story about luck, obsession, and familial love. The narrative focuses on Paul's desperate quest for financial security and his mother's emotional distance, highlighting the complexities of their relationship. Test your understanding of this influential work and its deeper meanings.

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