The Rocking Horse Winner

“The Rocking Horse Winner” is a story about a boy named Paul who predicts the winners in horse races.

What is Paul’s most prized possession?
What is the symbolism of the rocking horse?
What is the significance of Paul’s ability to predict the outcome of the races? Does it help his family in the long run?

Originally I was drawn to this story because of the title. My initial response was “YAY I get to read something about a horse!” And it turned out to be a lot better than I thought it would. The family’s misfortunes revolve around money, which is a common problem in today’s society for many people. In the beginning, it kind of seems like the story will be about the mother trying to dig her family out of a hole, but I enjoy the shift to Paul because he is a much more interesting character. The emphasis on his blue eyes is very intriguing. They are referenced a total of eight times throughout the story and are always described as “blazing” or “uncanny.” Paul has an “uncanny” ability to predict the outcome of the races, and this is reflected in his eyes.
This turns out to be a very sad story with Paul’s death. I don’t know what ultimately kills him, if it’s the incessant “whispering” of his house, or something else. Despite all his efforts he cannot get the house to stop “whispering” and as the amount of money increases, so does the suffering. Society is too dependent on material things, and they can ultimately lead to our demise. The house’s whisper represents this greed.