The symbolism in this story is very sexually oriented. The rocking horse represents both Paul's desire to make money for his mother and his own sexuality. The rocking horse is his "mount" which is "forced" onwards in a "furious ride" towards "frenzy." These descriptions are very suggestive of sexual activity. However, this is disturbing because Paul is very young and he is participating in this act for the sake of his mother. The rocking horse can also represent the fact that the overwhelming desire for money is a road that leads to nowhere, since this is a rocking horse that does not actually travel anywhere. Also, the desire for wealth can be said to be extremely unhealthy as well, since it results in Hester's unhappiness and Paul's death.