Class 11 NCERT English Book Woven Words Lesson 3 The Rocking-horse Winner Short Stories Question and answers.
Lesson 3 The Rocking-horse Winner
Understand the text
1. What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it find expression?
2. Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000 pounds for five years?
3. What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older?
4. Paul’s final bet made the family rich but cost him his life Explain.
Answer:
The Rocking-horse Winner is a story filled with themes of greed, materialism, and the tragic consequences of chasing wealth. Let’s dive into the questions:
- What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it find expression? Paul’s restlessness stemmed from the constant whispering in his house that seemed to say, “There must be more money.” This feeling of financial inadequacy haunted him, as he sensed his mother’s dissatisfaction and her desire for more wealth. Paul, desperate to prove himself and satisfy this need, found expression for his restlessness through his rocking-horse. He believed that riding the horse could help him “know” the winners of horse races, thereby earning money for his family.
- Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000 pounds for five years? Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly gift of 1,000 pounds because her desire for money was insatiable. No amount seemed to be enough to ease her constant craving for wealth. The more she received, the more she wanted. This dissatisfaction was rooted in her belief that luck, and consequently money, would bring happiness and solve all problems. However, the money only fueled her greed, leaving her perpetually unsatisfied.
- What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older? As Paul grew older, his mother grew increasingly anxious because she noticed that he was becoming more obsessed with gambling and winning money through betting on horse races. Though she did not fully understand how Paul was acquiring this money, she sensed something unnatural about his behavior. This growing anxiety was also linked to her maternal instincts, feeling that something was deeply wrong with Paul’s intense determination to provide for the family, even at his own expense.
- Paul’s final bet made the family rich but cost him his life. Explain. In Paul’s final bet, he successfully predicted the winner of the Derby, resulting in a huge financial gain for his family. However, this last effort took a tremendous toll on his health. Paul’s obsession with winning and his desperate need to satisfy his mother’s craving for wealth pushed him beyond his limits. The physical and mental strain of his final ride on the rocking-horse led to his collapse and eventual death. Although the family became rich, the tragic price was Paul’s life.
Talking about the text
Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups
1. ‘Luck is necessary for success in life.’
2. Although Paul’s mother liked to be rich she did not approve of betting on horses.
3. What were the voices that Paul heard? Did they lead him to success in the real sense?
Answer:
- ‘Luck is necessary for success in life.’
This statement can be interpreted in various ways, and discussing it in pairs or groups can lead to interesting perspectives. Some might argue that luck plays a significant role in success, as it can create opportunities or favorable circumstances that people can take advantage of. Others may believe that hard work, persistence, and skills are more critical for success, and luck is only a minor factor. The story of “The Rocking-Horse Winner” illustrates how Paul’s obsession with being “lucky” leads to wealth but also causes tragedy, suggesting that relying solely on luck might not be the best approach for true success.
- Although Paul’s mother liked to be rich, she did not approve of betting on horses.
This contrast between Paul’s mother’s desire for wealth and her disapproval of betting reflects a moral and social conflict. Paul’s mother wanted to live a luxurious life, but she did not support gambling as a means to achieve it. This could be because of societal norms or her moral stance on betting, which she may have considered risky or unethical. However, her dissatisfaction with life and constant desire for more money indirectly pushes Paul toward betting, showing the irony of her values. Discussing this in a group can help explore the idea of materialism and its effect on relationships and values.
- What were the voices that Paul heard? Did they lead him to success in the real sense?
The voices Paul heard were symbolic of the household’s constant desire for more money. These voices whispered, “There must be more money,” reflecting the family’s unending greed and dissatisfaction. Paul believed that by winning money through betting on horses, he could silence these voices and bring happiness to his family. However, while his winnings brought financial success, they did not bring the emotional fulfillment or peace that Paul sought. Instead, the pursuit of luck and money led to his physical and mental decline, culminating in his tragic death. In this sense, the voices did not lead him to real success, as true happiness and well-being were never achieved.
Discussing these points in groups will provide deeper insights into the story’s themes of materialism, obsession, and the true meaning of success.
Appreciation
1. Examine the communication channels in the story between
a. Paul and his mother
b. Paul and Bassett
c. Paul and his uncle
d. Bassett and Paul’s uncle
e. Paul’s mother and his uncle.
2. How has the author linked the symbol of the rocking-horse to Paul’s triumphs at the races?
3. The ending of the story is an instance of irony. Suppose Paul had not dies at the end, how would you have reacted to the story?
Answer:
1. Examine the communication channels in the story between: a. Paul and his mother: The communication between Paul and his mother is strained and distant. Paul is constantly seeking his mother’s approval and love, but she is emotionally cold and detached, focusing more on the lack of money and wealth. Paul’s desire to make his mother happy drives him to find “luck” by betting on horses. Their relationship is defined by Paul’s desire to fill the emotional and financial void that his mother feels. b. Paul and Bassett: Paul and Bassett share a secretive and trusting relationship. Bassett, the family gardener, acts as Paul’s confidant and betting partner. Paul relies on Bassett to place his bets, and they form a close bond over Paul’s predictions. Bassett believes in Paul’s abilities and remains loyal to him, helping Paul in his pursuit of luck. c. Paul and his uncle: Paul and his Uncle Oscar have a more open and collaborative relationship compared to his relationship with his mother. Uncle Oscar is intrigued by Paul’s betting success and becomes involved in placing larger bets with Paul. He supports Paul in his betting endeavors, although he does not fully understand the intensity of Paul’s obsession. d. Bassett and Paul’s uncle: Bassett and Uncle Oscar communicate primarily through their shared interest in Paul’s betting success. Bassett respects Uncle Oscar’s authority and is cooperative in managing Paul’s winnings. Both men are in awe of Paul’s ability to predict the winning horses, and they work together to handle the betting arrangements. e. Paul’s mother and his uncle: The communication between Paul’s mother and Uncle Oscar is more formal and distant. There is no deep emotional connection between them, and they discuss financial matters rather than personal feelings. Uncle Oscar informs Paul’s mother of the financial gift that Paul has arranged for her, but there is little warmth or emotional exchange in their interactions.
2. How has the author linked the symbol of the rocking-horse to Paul’s triumphs at the races? The rocking-horse in the story is a powerful symbol of Paul’s desire to find “luck” and bring wealth to his family. The act of riding the rocking-horse becomes a ritual for Paul, where he reaches a state of intense focus, allowing him to predict the winners of horse races. The rocking-horse represents both Paul’s childish innocence and his obsessive pursuit of luck. His triumphs at the races are directly linked to his frantic rides on the rocking-horse, and this connection emphasizes the destructive nature of his quest for financial success and approval.
3. The ending of the story is an instance of irony. Suppose Paul had not died at the end, how would you have reacted to the story? The ending of the story is deeply ironic because Paul succeeds in his goal of making his family rich, but at the cost of his own life. His death underscores the futility of his efforts and the tragic consequences of his obsession with luck and wealth. If Paul had not died, the story would have had a very different impact. It might have felt less tragic but still bittersweet, as Paul would have succeeded in making his mother happy through wealth, but he would likely continue to face the emotional void in his relationship with her. Without his death, the story would lose some of its moral weight, as the ultimate sacrifice Paul makes emphasizes the dangers of materialism and the emptiness of pursuing wealth at the expense of one’s well-being.
If Paul had survived, the story could still convey a message about the hollowness of financial success, but it would likely leave the reader with a sense of unresolved tension, as Paul’s emotional needs would remain unmet despite the material wealth he brings to his family.
Language Work
1. ‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.’
a. Explain the above statement in the literal sense.
b. Explain it in the context in which it is Mentioned in the story.
c. Is there a corresponding proverb in your own language?
2. Explain the following phrases
Sure as eggs
spinning yarns
Turned to dust
Use them in sentences of your own.
3. Given below is the dictionary meaning of
Smirk : to smile in a silly or unpleasant way that shows that you are pleased with yourself.
Look up the dictionary for the following words are also related to facial expressions and write down the meaning of each
smile
grin
grimace
sneer
Answer:
1. ‘A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.’
a. Explain the above statement in the literal sense: The phrase literally means that having one bird in your hand (something certain) is more valuable than the possibility of catching two birds in a bush (something uncertain). It advises being satisfied with what you have rather than risking it for something potentially better but not guaranteed.
b. Explain it in the context in which it is mentioned in the story: In the story, this proverb would apply to Paul’s pursuit of luck and wealth. Paul is not content with the money he has or the security of his current life. He takes risks by betting on horse races in the hope of earning more wealth. The proverb would suggest that Paul should have valued the security of his life and family instead of gambling for more wealth, which ultimately leads to his tragic end.
c. Is there a corresponding proverb in your own language? Yes, in Hindi, the corresponding proverb is: “हाथ का एक तीतर, झाड़ी के दो तीतर से बेहतर है।” This means it’s better to have something certain than to risk it for something uncertain.
2. Explain the following phrases:
a. Sure as eggs: This phrase means something is absolutely certain or guaranteed, as in something that is as sure as the existence of eggs. Sentence: “I’ll finish the project on time, sure as eggs!”
b. Spinning yarns: This means telling long, exaggerated, or fictitious stories. Sentence: “Grandpa always entertains us by spinning yarns about his adventurous youth.”
c. Turned to dust: This means something has completely disintegrated or been destroyed, often symbolizing failure or the end of something. Sentence: “His dreams of becoming an artist turned to dust when he lost his motivation.”
3. Look up the dictionary for the following words related to facial expressions and write down the meaning of each:
a. Smile: To make a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up. Example: “She smiled warmly at the children.”
b. Grin: To smile broadly, especially in a way that shows teeth. Example: “He grinned with delight when he won the game.”
c. Grimace: A facial expression that shows discomfort, disgust, or pain. Example: “She grimaced when she tasted the sour lemon.”
d. Sneer: To smile or speak in a mocking, scornful, or contemptuous way. Example: “He sneered at his rival’s attempt to win the competition.”