The Rocking-Horse Winner | Style

The Rocking-Horse Winner Style

The opening paragraphs of "The Rocking-Horse Winner" are written in a style similar to that of a fairy tale. Instead of "once upon a time," though, Lawrence begins with "There was a woman who was beautiful, who started with all the advantages, yet she had no luck," This is a conscious attempt on the part of the author to use the traditional oral storytelling technique. This story also combines the supernatural elements of a fable, mainly Paul's ability to "know" the winners just by riding his rocking horse, with the serious themes of an unhappy marriage and an unhealthy desire for wealth at all costs. The story begins with fable-like simplicity but ends with a serious message about wasted lives.

Symbolism

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...
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