The Rocking-Horse Winner is a short story by D. H. Lawrence that focuses on the life of an English family and their struggle to keep up with their social class. The story follows a young boy named Paul, who is desperate to provide his family with money, and the tragic consequences of his efforts. This article will explore the causes of Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner.
Paul’s Desperation to Provide
Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner can be attributed to his desperation to provide money to his family. Paul’s mother is constantly consumed by the idea that they are not wealthy enough and she is constantly asking for more money. Paul is aware of the tension this causes in the family and is desperate to make his mother happy. He begins gambling on horses and eventually discovers that he has a knack for predicting winning horses.
Paul’s Obsession with Gambling
Paul’s obsession with gambling leads to his death in The Rocking-Horse Winner. Paul becomes so consumed with the idea of making his mother happy that he begins to gamble more frequently and with higher stakes. He becomes obsessed with the idea of winning the big prize and it begins to consume his life. He gambles away all of his money and even borrows money from his family in order to keep going.
The Consequences of Paul’s Gambling
The consequences of Paul’s gambling are dire. His family is in financial ruin and his mother is constantly berating him for the money he has lost. Paul feels immense guilt for the financial strain he has caused and this leads to him pushing himself to the point of exhaustion. He eventually collapses from exhaustion and dies.
The Symbolic Meaning of Paul’s Death
Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner can also be seen as a symbolic representation of the consequences of materialism and the pursuit of wealth. Paul’s mother is obsessed with the idea of having more money, and her obsession leads to her son’s death. This death serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth.
The Role of Fate in Paul’s Death
The role of fate in Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner is also significant. Paul is aware that his mother’s obsession with money is leading to his own destruction, but he is powerless to stop it. This can be seen as a representation of the idea that we are all subject to the whims of fate and that we are powerless to change the course of our lives.
The Role of the Supernatural
The role of the supernatural in Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner is also important. Paul believes that his ability to predict winning horses is supernatural in nature and this leads him to become even more obsessed with gambling. This obsession leads to his eventual death, which can be seen as a warning against the dangers of relying too heavily on the supernatural.
The Role of Paul’s Mother
The role of Paul’s mother in his death in The Rocking-Horse Winner is significant. Paul’s mother is constantly pushing him to make more money and her obsession with material wealth leads to Paul’s desperation to provide her with what she wants. Her obsession and Paul’s subsequent desperation eventually lead to his death.
The Role of Society
The role of society in Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner is also significant. Paul’s mother is desperate to keep up with the Joneses, and Paul is aware of the pressure this puts on him to provide for the family. This pressure from society and the class structure of the time leads to Paul’s desperation and eventual death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul’s death in The Rocking-Horse Winner can be attributed to a variety of factors, including his desperation to provide for his family, his obsession with gambling, the consequences of his gambling, the symbolic meaning of his death, the role of fate in his death, the role of the supernatural, the role of his mother, and the role of society. All of these factors combined to create a tragedy that serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth.