The Rocking-Horse Winner by DH Lawrence - Full Audiobook | Horror Short Stories

The Rocking Horse Winner: A Tale of Luck and Love

Introduction to the Protagonist's Struggles

• The story begins with a beautiful woman who, despite her advantages, feels she has no luck in life.

• She marries for love, but that love fades away, leaving her feeling disconnected from her children.

• The mother perceives a coldness in her children’s eyes, which amplifies her feelings of inadequacy and inability to love them fully.

Family Dynamics and Financial Anxiety

• The family lives in a pleasant house with servants but is plagued by financial anxiety; they never have enough money.

• Both parents have small incomes that do not meet their social expectations, leading to constant worry about finances.

• The mother's attempts to generate more income fail, deepening the lines of stress on her face as she realizes the growing needs of her children.

The Whispering Voice of Money

• An unspoken phrase haunts the household: "There must be more money," which resonates deeply with the children even though it is never voiced aloud.

• This whisper becomes an omnipresent theme during festive times when expensive toys are present, creating an atmosphere of longing and anxiety among the children.

• Even inanimate objects like toys seem to echo this sentiment, highlighting how pervasive the family's financial struggles are felt throughout their home.

Conversations About Luck

• Paul questions his mother about why they cannot afford a car like other family members, revealing his innocence regarding their financial status.

• His mother explains that their misfortune stems from his father's lack of luck; this introduces Paul’s curiosity about what luck truly means.

• The conversation reveals differing perceptions of wealth: being lucky is seen as preferable because it ensures continual fortune unlike mere riches which can be lost easily.

Paul's Determination for Change

• Despite his mother's bitterness towards luck and fortune, Paul asserts he is a lucky person without understanding why he believes so.

• His determination leads him on a quest for luck as he seeks ways to change their circumstances through his own actions and beliefs about fortune.

The Journey of Paul and His Rocking Horse

Paul's Obsession with Luck

• Paul exhibits a strange intensity as he rides his rocking horse, fixating on its face and commanding it to take him to "where there is luck."

• Despite warnings from his nurse and sister Joan about breaking the horse, Paul remains undeterred, indicating a deep connection to his imaginary world.

• When confronted by his mother and Uncle Oscar, Paul responds with silence and a fierce glare, showcasing his determination during these intense moments of play.

Conversations About Racing

• During a conversation with Uncle Oscar, Paul reveals that he has different names for the horse, including "Sansino," which won at Ascot last week.

• The narrative introduces Basset, the gardener who shares racing news with Paul. This relationship highlights Paul's growing interest in horse racing.

• Basset's serious demeanor when discussing betting indicates the gravity of gambling in their conversations.

Betting Insights

• Uncle Oscar probes into whether Paul places bets on horses. Paul's evasive response suggests an understanding of secrecy surrounding gambling.

• As they drive to Hampshire, Uncle Oscar encourages Paul to share tips about horses. Paul's confidence shines through as he mentions "Daffodil" as a potential winner.

The Race Day Experience

• At the races, excitement builds as Daffodil wins first place. Paul's reaction is calm yet filled with fiery enthusiasm.

• After winning money from the race, Paul expresses confidence in his betting strategy while maintaining secrecy about Basset's involvement.

Financial Dynamics

• Uncle Oscar questions the legitimacy of Paul's claims regarding winnings and bets placed through Basset. This moment underscores themes of trust and childhood innocence amidst adult concerns over gambling.

The Luck of Paul

The Proposal for Partnership

• Paul expresses a desire to partner with Basset and his uncle, emphasizing the importance of secrecy in their betting activities.

• Uncle Oscar takes both Basset and Paul to Richmond Park, where they discuss past racing events and the significance of luck in their betting strategies.

• Basset highlights Paul's seemingly divine intuition regarding horse racing outcomes, particularly referencing a horse named Daffodil as a sure bet.

Betting Success and Financial Gains

• Uncle Oscar questions the whereabouts of the money after learning about Paul's successful bets; Basset assures him that it is safely locked up.

• The conversation reveals that Paul has accumulated £1,500 from his betting ventures, prompting Uncle Oscar to consider joining them as partners.

• After confirming their success with Daffodil, Paul explains how he sometimes feels certain about his bets but admits uncertainty can lead to losses.

Family Dynamics and Whispering House

• Paul shares his belief that his luck could help alleviate financial struggles at home, describing how their house seems to "whisper" about money troubles.

• Despite initial nervousness from Uncle Oscar regarding Paul's gambling success, he ultimately supports Paul's decisions and plans for future bets.

Managing Wealth Secretively

• When asked about his plans for the winnings, Paul reveals he intends to use it for his mother’s benefit due to her belief in family misfortune.

• The discussion touches on how Paul's mother feels burdened by financial issues despite her artistic talents not yielding sufficient income.

Birthday Surprise and Mother's Reaction

• On the morning of her birthday, Paul's mother receives a letter informing her of an unexpected £5,000 gift intended for her over five years; however, she reacts coldly upon reading it.

• Paul expresses concern about revealing his luck to his mother fearing she would stop him from continuing with betting. Uncle Oscar agrees to keep it secret while managing the funds discreetly.

Paul's Struggle with Wealth and Gambling

The Tension of Financial Need

• Paul's mother receives a letter regarding financial matters but remains cold and distant, indicating underlying tension in their relationship.

• Uncle Oscar informs Paul that his mother is seeking an advance on £5,000 due to her debts, highlighting the family's financial struggles.

• Paul expresses a desire for his mother to have the money, showing his eagerness to alleviate her burdens despite being just a child.

The Allure of Gambling

• After receiving the money, there is a sudden change in the household atmosphere; new luxuries appear but are accompanied by frantic voices demanding more money.

• Paul becomes increasingly obsessed with horse racing as he loses significant amounts betting on races like the Grand National and Lincoln, illustrating the destructive nature of gambling.

• Despite warnings from Uncle Oscar to let go of this obsession, Paul feels compelled to know outcomes for upcoming races, showcasing his growing madness over gambling.

Maternal Concern and Family Dynamics

• Paul's mother notices his distress and suggests a trip to the seaside as a distraction from racing; however, Paul refuses to leave before the Derby. This refusal indicates his deep attachment to both the house and his secret ambitions tied to gambling.

• She reflects on their family's history with gambling and its damaging effects while trying to protect him from similar pitfalls. Her concern reveals her awareness of generational issues within their family dynamics.

Secrets and Isolation

• Paul harbors a secret about his wooden horse that symbolizes both comfort and isolation; it represents his childhood innocence amidst adult pressures surrounding wealth and success.

• As race day approaches, Paul's mental state deteriorates; he becomes frail and consumed by anxiety about winning bets rather than enjoying childhood experiences or familial connections. His mother's increasing worry highlights her protective instincts towards him amid these pressures.

A Mother's Intuition

• Two nights before the Derby, Paul's mother experiences overwhelming anxiety about him while attending a party; this foreshadows impending turmoil linked to her son's obsession with gambling outcomes. She prioritizes checking on him despite societal expectations of maintaining composure at social events.

• Her instinctual need for reassurance about Paul's well-being underscores themes of maternal love intertwined with fear over potential loss due to gambling's influence on their lives.

The Intrusion of Anxiety

Paul's Return Home

• At around 1:00 AM, Paul's parents arrive home to a still house. His mother removes her fur cloak and hears her husband mixing drinks downstairs.

• Feeling an unusual anxiety, she decides to check on her son, Paul, as she senses something is amiss in the upper corridor.

The Mysterious Noise

• Outside Paul's room, she hears a strange noise that feels both heavy and powerful yet soundless. This evokes a sense of dread within her.

• Upon entering the dark room and switching on the light, she discovers Paul energetically riding his rocking horse while shouting "It's Malibar."

The Consequences of Obsession

Paul's Condition

• After a brief moment of lucidity, Paul falls off the horse and becomes unconscious. His mother rushes to him but finds he has fallen into a feverish state.

• As he tosses in bed, he repeatedly calls out "Malibar," leaving his mother confused about its significance.

The Derby Connection

• Inquiring about "Malibar," his father learns it refers to a racehorse running in the derby. Oscar Creswell places a bet on Malibar despite feeling conflicted.

A Desperate Hope

Critical Illness

• On the third day of illness, Paul remains unresponsive while his mother feels emotionally drained. She reluctantly allows Basset to visit with hopes for improvement.

Basset's Revelation

• Basset informs them that Malibar won the race and that Paul has made over £80,000 from betting on it. This news brings mixed feelings amidst their despair.

Tragic Resolution

Final Moments

• Despite hearing about his winnings, Paul dies during the night. His mother's grief is compounded by her brother's cold remark about their financial gain versus losing their son.