1. The Rocking-Horse Winner
As an important image, the rocking-horse in the short story plays a vital role symbolically and thematically. It bears different symbolic meanings as the story goes, revealing the changes of the protagonist's inner world, and deepens the theme, intensifying the irony. ... As a result, Paul can never satisfy his mother's insatiable appetite for more money. ... This tragedy grows out of Hester's obsession with money and lack of attention to the family, another theme in the story. ... Therefore, Paul is eager for her mother's real affection. ...
- Word Count: 1090
- Approx Pages: 4
- Grade Level: Undergraduate