The Rocking Horse Winner

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1926

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Research the different possible meanings of the word Malabar. Which of these meanings seem most relevant to the story? How does it apply to your reading of “The Rocking Horse Winner”?

In the Poetics, Aristotle considers recognition and reversal the main elements of tragic action. Research these concepts and explore how they apply to “The Rocking Horse Winner.” Would you consider the story a tragedy in Aristotle’s sense?

“The Rocking Horse Winner” bears some earmarks of a fable—a short, folkloric story that conveys a moral. What are the “morals” of the story? Name at least two, detailing how the story communicates them. Your answers should address symbolism.