Name
THE ROCKING-HORSE WINNER
Date
COPY MASTER
Reading Check
Directions: Recall the events from D. H. Lawrence’s short story. Then answer the questions in phrases or
sentences.
1. What idea fills the people in Paul’s house with anxiety?
2. What does Paul do to try to find luck?
3. What does Uncle Oscar find out from talking to Paul?
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4. What happens when Paul gives his mother her birthday present?
5. What causes Paul’s death?
6. Complete each of the following sentences.
Paul’s mother sees herself and her family as unlucky because
_____
Paul wants luck because
7. Underline one phrase in parentheses and then complete the sentence.
I think riding the rocking-horse symbolizes (the desire to excel, the mad pursuit of money, the search for
meaning in life) because
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8.Draw Conclusions Match each character with the role that luck plays in his or her life. Write the letter for
the character on the line next to the correct description.
____1. A negative force that deprives the
character of a son
____2. A neutral force, since good luck seems
to make no real difference in this
character’s life
____3. A positive force that quickly turns
negative, bringing unhappiness and
death
a. Paul
b. Paul’s mother
c. Oscar
9. Examine Imagery A controlling image is a single image that extends throughout a literary work.
Lawrence describes Paul’s eyes as “unsure,” “uncanny,” and “wild-eyed”
to draw attention to
10. Interpret Theme Circle the theme that Lawrence is communicating about materialism.
a. It is only natural to aspire to a high standard of living.
b. The desire for money and social status can be a destructive force.
c. Social status determines how happy a person may be.
d. Children need to be taught not to be envious of the possessions of others.
Reading Skill
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
In this story, luck plays a significant role in the characters’ lives, though Lawrence does not always explicitly
state that role. To draw conclusions about the role of luck, you must combine information stated in the text
with your inferences, or logical guesses, and your own prior knowledge.
Directions: In the chart, record stated information and your inferences about each character’s experiences
with luck.
Character
Paul
Stated Information
Inferences
Paul’s mother
Oscar
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Literary Analysis
THEME
The theme of a story is the underlying message about life or human nature that the writer wants readers to
understand. In fiction, writers almost never directly state the theme. Instead, they develop it using literary
elements.
Directions: Answer the questions in the graphic. Then use your answers to infer the message Lawrence is
communicating about materialism.
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