Materialism, Childhood Trauma, and the Unconscious in The Rocking-Horse Winner

P. Shivashankari

III B. A. English, Department of English, Nazareth Margoschis College at Pillaiyanmanai, Nazareth. 

Abstract

The Rocking-Horse Winner by D. H. Lawrence is a powerful critique of materialism and emotional neglect in early twentieth-century middle-class society. The story centers on Paul, a young boy who becomes obsessed with obtaining luck to satisfy his mother’s insatiable desire for wealth. Believing that luck is the key to financial success and maternal love, Paul rides his wooden rocking horse in a frenzied state to predict winning racehorses, secretly generating money for the family. However, his efforts only intensify his mother’s greed and the oppressive atmosphere of his home, which constantly whispers for more money. Through symbolism, particularly the rocking horse as a representation of illusion and destructive ambition, Lawrence explores themes of consumerism, parental pressure, psychological instability, and the tragic consequences of equating love with financial success. The story ultimately reveals how the pursuit of wealth corrupts familial relationships and destroys innocence. Paul’s tragic fate underscores Lawrence’s warning against a society driven by material desire rather than genuine affection and emotional fulfillment.

Keywords: Finance, Tragedy, Ambition, Luck, Affection, Emotion.