English IV
“The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence
M. Shultz
Directions. Read “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence on p. 1154 of the Holt Literature Textbook.
Then, respond to the following questions.
1. How does Paul’s mother feel about her children? Is she a stereotypical female character? Explain.
2. How do Paul’s parents create problems for themselves?
3. What is the whispered exclamation that the children always hear?
4. How does Paul’s mother explain to him the cause of the family’s problems?
5. Questions 2-4 guide you in applying a specific critical theory. Which theory is it? Explain how this theory applies to
the story.
6. Describe the strange ability that Paul develops.
7. What does Paul’s mother do with the gift he gives her?
8. After giving his mother the gift, why does Paul become very tense and worried?
9. Why does Paul’s mother visit Paul’s bedroom after the party? What does she find when she opens the bedroom door?
10. At the end of the story, what does Paul’s mother gain and lose?
11. So far, you have analyzed the story using Feminist and Marxist Critical Theories. What other critical theories could
apply? Explain your response. Continue on to the back, if necessary.