Class 11 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH 

Woven Words Short Stories Chapter 3

The Rocking-horse Winner

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT 

1. What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it find expression?

20 words:

Paul was restless because of his family’s constant money problems. He expressed it through a deep desire to become lucky.

40 words:

Paul's restlessness came from the unspoken tension in his home — “There must be more money!” He believed being lucky would solve it. He started riding his rocking-horse with intense focus, hoping it would help him find winning racehorses.

60 words:

Paul felt an invisible pressure in his house — the need for more money haunted the environment. He wanted to help his mother, who believed luck brought money. Paul desperately wanted to be lucky. He rode his rocking-horse frantically, believing it would reveal the names of winning horses. His strange, determined behaviour showed his growing restlessness and obsession.

80 words:

At the beginning of the story, Paul was troubled by the constant whispering in the house: “There must be more money.” Though his family lived in style, they were secretly poor, and this worried him. His mother believed luck brought money, so Paul became obsessed with being lucky. To find luck, he rode his wooden rocking-horse wildly until he “got there” — meaning he somehow predicted race winners. This strange behaviour reflected his deep restlessness and his need to fix the family's financial woes.

2. Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000 pounds for five years?

20 words:

Paul’s mother was greedy and always wanted more money. A fixed yearly amount didn’t satisfy her growing needs and ambitions.

40 words:

Though she got 1,000 pounds each year, Paul’s mother wasn’t happy because her desire for wealth kept increasing. She felt it wasn’t enough to cover debts and maintain her lifestyle. So, she asked for the entire 5,000 pounds at once.

60 words:

Paul’s mother wasn’t satisfied with the gift because her longing for wealth was endless. Even though she received 1,000 pounds each year, she wanted the whole 5,000 at once to clear her debts. Her dissatisfaction shows that no amount of money was enough for her. The house still echoed the need for more money, and she remained discontented.

80 words:

Paul’s mother had a constant hunger for wealth. Although she was gifted 5,000 pounds to be given in yearly installments of 1,000, she wanted the entire amount immediately. She was in debt and felt the yearly gift wouldn't cover all her needs. Her materialistic mindset made her ignore the love and sacrifice behind the gift. Her greed grew stronger after receiving the full amount, as the voices in the house only became louder, crying for even more money.

3. What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older?

20 words:

Paul’s mother felt anxious seeing her son growing nervous, pale, and obsessed with betting and winning more and more money.

40 words:

As Paul grew older, his obsession with luck and horse-racing increased. He became withdrawn, tense, and emotionally disturbed. His mother noticed his strange behaviour and nervousness, which made her anxious and worried about his mental and physical well-being.

60 words:

Paul’s mother was deeply anxious because her son showed signs of stress and obsession. He kept thinking about horse races and winning money to prove he was lucky. He grew pale, restless, and acted strangely. Her instincts warned her that something was seriously wrong. She was afraid that his mind was overburdened and that he was heading towards a breakdown.

80 words:

Paul’s mother grew increasingly anxious as her son changed before her eyes. He became obsessed with horse-racing, determined to be “lucky” and win money for the family. His mind was always stressed, and his health declined. She noticed his pale face, strange eyes, and tense behaviour. Though she tried to distract him by suggesting a trip to the seaside, his refusal and growing madness made her realize that his obsession was consuming him — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

4. Paul’s final bet made the family rich but cost him his life. Explain.

20 words:

Paul correctly bet on Malabar and won a huge amount, but the mental strain of it led to his death.

40 words:

Paul’s final winning bet on Malabar brought over eighty thousand pounds to his family. However, the pressure to be lucky and stop the house’s whispering ruined his health. He died soon after, showing the tragic cost of his sacrifice.

60 words:

In the end, Paul predicted that Malabar would win the Derby and earned over eighty thousand pounds. However, this victory came at a terrible cost. The mental pressure of being lucky, helping his family, and quieting the “whispers” drove him to madness. His body couldn’t handle the stress, and he died, leaving behind money — but no life.

80 words:

Paul’s final bet on Malabar was successful, bringing his family more than eighty thousand pounds. But this big win came with a huge personal loss. Paul’s obsession with luck, and his deep desire to stop the haunting whispers of “more money,” pushed him beyond his mental and physical limits. He collapsed soon after shouting the winning horse’s name. Despite gaining financial wealth, the family lost what mattered most — Paul himself. His death shows the tragic cost of chasing money over love and peace.

APPRECIATION 

1. Examine the communication channels in the story between:

a. Paul and his mother

Paul longed for his mother’s love but she stayed emotionally distant. Their communication was limited, cold, and often indirect.

b. Paul and Bassett

Paul and Bassett shared a deep bond. They trusted each other and were secret partners in betting on horse races.

c. Paul and his Uncle Oscar

Paul and Uncle Oscar shared a friendly bond. Oscar supported Paul’s betting and eventually became his partner in racing.

d. Bassett and Paul’s Uncle

Bassett respected Uncle Oscar and shared racing news with him. He carefully protected Paul’s secrets and always stayed loyal to him.

e. Paul’s mother and his uncle

Paul’s mother and Uncle Oscar had limited interactions. He helped her financially but they didn’t share deep emotional communication.

2. How has the author linked the symbol of the rocking-horse to Paul’s triumphs at the races?

20 words:

The rocking-horse symbolizes Paul’s desperate search for luck. His intense rides helped him predict winners and bring money home.

40 words:

D.H. Lawrence uses the rocking-horse as a magical symbol. Paul rides it fiercely, hoping it will guide him to winning horses. His victories at the races are linked to these rides, showing how the rocking-horse becomes his tool to “find luck.”

60 words:

The rocking-horse in the story is more than a toy. It becomes a symbol of Paul’s obsession with luck and wealth. He rides it furiously to enter a trance-like state, where he “gets there” — meaning he magically predicts race winners. Each ride brings success at the races, making the rocking-horse both his secret tool and symbol of his emotional struggle.

80 words:

The rocking-horse is a powerful symbol in the story. For Paul, it represents the only way he can find “luck,” which he believes will bring love and peace to his home. He rides the horse with intense emotion, entering a mental state that leads him to predict winning horses. Each of his betting victories comes after these strange rides. The horse becomes a bridge between fantasy and reality — a symbol of Paul’s inner turmoil, his search for control, and his tragic obsession with wealth.

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?

20 words:

If Paul had lived, the story would feel hopeful. His success might have brought joy, not just wealth, to the family.

40 words:

Had Paul survived, the story might have ended with happiness and peace in the house. His efforts would be rewarded without tragedy. The message would shift from warning about greed to celebrating love, understanding, and the true value of family.

60 words:

If Paul hadn’t died, the story’s tone would change completely. His winnings could have created a better life for his family, especially his emotionally distant mother. The rocking-horse would represent hope instead of obsession. The story might end with Paul finally gaining love and appreciation. However, it would lose its powerful message about the dangers of greed, emotional neglect, and blind pursuit of success.

80 words:

Had Paul survived, the story would have taken a more positive turn. His success in betting could have improved the family’s financial condition and brought emotional closeness between him and his mother. The ending might have focused on healing, love, and understanding. However, the deep irony and emotional impact would be lost. The story’s current tragic ending teaches a powerful lesson — that money can never replace love, and blind pursuit of wealth often leads to destruction, not happiness.

EXTRA QUESTIONS 

1. What was the main problem in Paul’s family?

20 words:

Paul’s family lacked money but wanted to maintain a rich lifestyle. This caused tension, stress, and a haunted atmosphere.

40 words:

Paul’s family lived beyond their means. Though they looked rich, they were always short of money. This constant financial stress created anxiety in the house. Paul could sense it and wanted to help solve it by becoming lucky.

60 words:

Paul’s family struggled financially but tried to maintain a rich and stylish life. His parents had small incomes, and the pressure to appear wealthy caused silent tension. The house seemed haunted by whispers: “There must be more money!” Paul was deeply affected by this, especially by his mother’s sadness, and he decided to find a way to change their luck.

80 words:

The major problem in Paul’s family was their financial instability. Although they lived in a nice house with servants, they were always short of money. Paul's father failed to provide enough, and his mother believed they were unlucky. This constant desire for more money filled the home with an invisible pressure. Paul, sensing his mother’s dissatisfaction, felt responsible. He became obsessed with solving their money problem by being “lucky,” leading to his secret betting through horse races.

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2. Why did Paul want to be lucky?

20 words:

Paul wanted to be lucky so he could earn money, stop the whispers in the house, and make his mother happy.

40 words:

Paul believed luck would bring him money, and money would make his mother happy. She had said his father was unlucky, so Paul took it upon himself to be lucky and solve their financial problems.

60 words:

Paul’s mother once told him that being lucky brings money. She believed their poverty was due to bad luck. Paul loved his mother and wanted her to feel proud and peaceful. He thought if he could be lucky and win money, he could stop the haunting whispers of “more money” and make her happy.

80 words:

Paul wanted to be lucky because his mother said that luck brings money, and their family was poor due to bad luck. Paul believed if he became lucky, he could earn money and solve their problems. He hoped his mother would love him more if he helped her. Driven by love and a desire to stop the whispering in the house, Paul made it his life goal to be “lucky” — and that became his tragic obsession.

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3. How did the house “whisper”?

20 words:

The house whispered, “There must be more money,” symbolizing the constant pressure, greed, and dissatisfaction inside Paul’s family.

40 words:

Though no one said it aloud, Paul felt the house whispered “There must be more money.” This represented his family’s constant need for wealth and the emotional tension surrounding money. Even toys and furniture seemed to echo that whisper.

60 words:

In the story, the house did not literally speak. But Paul often imagined whispers saying, “There must be more money.” This symbolic whisper reflected the pressure and greed within the family. The voices grew louder as their needs increased. It haunted Paul, pushing him to believe that if he became lucky, he could finally silence those whispers and make his mother happy.

80 words:

The “whispers” in the house were symbolic, not real. Paul constantly felt an unspoken pressure in his home, as if the walls and toys were saying, “There must be more money.” These whispers reflected the family’s greed and unhappiness. The beautiful home and gifts couldn’t hide the emotional emptiness and financial stress. These growing whispers affected Paul deeply, pushing him to believe that earning money through “luck” was the only way to stop them and restore peace.

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4. Describe Paul’s secret partnership with Bassett.

20 words:

Paul and Bassett secretly bet on horse races. Paul gave tips, and Bassett placed bets. They shared money and trust.

40 words:

Paul and Bassett became betting partners. Paul predicted winners using his rocking-horse, and Bassett placed the bets. They trusted each other completely and kept it secret from everyone, including Paul’s parents. They shared all winnings equally.

60 words:

Bassett, the gardener, and Paul had a strong, secret bond. Paul would ride his rocking-horse until he felt certain about a race winner. Then he shared the name with Bassett, who placed bets for both of them. They won large sums of money this way. Bassett respected Paul’s wishes and never betrayed the secret. Their teamwork and trust helped Paul earn thousands without his family knowing.

80 words:

Paul and Bassett developed a close and secret betting partnership. Paul believed that riding his wooden rocking-horse helped him know the names of race winners. When he was “sure,” he shared the horse’s name with Bassett. Bassett placed the bets and kept track of the money. He never revealed Paul’s secret, not even to Uncle Oscar at first. Together, they won large sums, all while keeping their betting hidden from Paul’s family. Their bond was built on trust, loyalty, and shared purpose.

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5. Why did Paul not want his mother to know about the money?

20 words:

Paul feared his mother would stop him from betting if she found out, and he wanted to keep helping her secretly.

40 words:

Paul didn’t want his mother to know he was the source of the money. He feared she would stop him from betting, thinking it was wrong. Also, he wanted to prove himself lucky silently, hoping she’d feel proud someday.

60 words:

Paul feared that if his mother knew he was placing bets to earn money, she would disapprove and stop him. He believed he needed to prove himself lucky to fix their financial problems. He also wanted her to feel happy without knowing the source, so she could finally love and accept him. Keeping it a secret made him feel more in control and successful.

80 words:

Paul kept the money a secret from his mother because he was afraid she would stop him from betting. She had warned him about the dangers of gambling, and he didn’t want to lose the chance to help her. He also wanted to prove himself as “lucky” and earn her love. He believed if she received the money without knowing the source, she would be happy and finally stop worrying. It was Paul’s way of showing love without getting rejected.

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6. How did Paul “get there” on his rocking-horse?

20 words:

Paul believed that riding his rocking-horse intensely would reveal the name of the winning horse. That’s how he “got there.”

40 words:

Paul would ride his rocking-horse until he entered a trance-like state. In this intense moment, he believed the name of the winning horse would come to him. This was his way of “getting there” to find luck.

60 words:

Paul’s idea of “getting there” was deeply connected to his rocking-horse. He believed that riding it hard and fast would help him reach a mental state where he could sense the name of a winning horse. He would go into a strange, focused trance, and eventually a name would appear in his mind. This magical belief drove all his race predictions and bets.

80 words:

For Paul, “getting there” meant entering a powerful, almost mystical state while riding his wooden rocking-horse. He would ride furiously and silently urge the horse to take him to “where there is luck.” After long rides, he would feel certain about a horse’s name. This was not just a game — it became a serious ritual. Paul believed that by riding the horse with focus, he could uncover race winners and help his family. His belief gave him purpose — but also destroyed his health.

7. How did Uncle Oscar react to Paul’s betting?

20 words:

At first, Uncle Oscar was surprised and amused. Later, he supported Paul and even joined him as a betting partner.

40 words:

Uncle Oscar was shocked to discover Paul’s secret betting. But when Paul kept winning, Oscar got interested and supportive. He helped manage the money, encouraged Paul, and even placed his own bets, becoming a silent partner in their success.

60 words:

Initially, Uncle Oscar found Paul’s involvement in horse-racing strange and even funny. But after witnessing Paul’s winning streak, he became impressed and curious. He joined the betting, helped Paul manage the money through a lawyer, and placed bets himself. Although he supported Paul financially, he didn’t realize the emotional burden Paul carried or how seriously he took the idea of being lucky.

80 words:

Uncle Oscar’s reaction to Paul’s betting changed over time. At first, he was shocked and amused to learn that a child was placing bets. But when Paul predicted winners correctly and earned money, Uncle Oscar took him seriously. He supported Paul, helped manage the funds, and even became a partner in betting. However, he failed to see the pressure Paul was under. Instead of stopping him, Oscar unintentionally encouraged his obsession with winning, which sadly led to Paul’s downfall.

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8. Why was Paul obsessed with the Derby?

20 words:

Paul believed the Derby was his final chance to win big and stop the whispering in the house forever.

40 words:

The Derby was the biggest race, and Paul believed it could change everything. He felt he must win it to silence the whispers of “more money” and finally make his mother happy and proud of him.

60 words:

Paul became obsessed with the Derby because he saw it as the most important race of all. He believed winning it would end the money problems in the family. His health was already declining, but he pushed himself to be “sure” of the winner. He thought winning the Derby would prove he was truly lucky and make his mother love him unconditionally.

80 words:

Paul saw the Derby as his final and biggest opportunity to bring peace to his family. The voices in the house whispering “There must be more money” were growing louder, and he believed that winning the Derby would end it all. He became fixated on predicting the winner. His emotional need to be seen as “lucky” and to gain his mother’s love pushed him beyond his limits. This obsession made him neglect his health, leading to the story’s tragic ending.

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9. What happened after Paul won the Derby?

20 words:

Paul correctly guessed “Malabar” as the winner. He earned over 80,000 pounds but collapsed from exhaustion and later died.

40 words:

Paul screamed “Malabar!” while riding his horse and collapsed soon after. Though he won more than 80,000 pounds, the mental and physical pressure broke him. He fell into brain fever and died, leaving behind wealth but no life.

60 words:

After riding his rocking-horse with extreme intensity, Paul shouted “Malabar,” the Derby winner. He had won a huge sum — over 80,000 pounds. But the mental stress and obsession had pushed him too far. He collapsed from brain fever and never recovered. Despite his success, the cost was his young life. His mother received the money, but lost her son forever.

80 words:

Paul’s final prediction — “Malabar” — was correct, winning him more than 80,000 pounds. But the emotional toll of his obsession destroyed his health. After screaming the winner’s name, he collapsed beside his rocking-horse. He suffered from brain fever and died within days. Though he achieved his goal of making his family rich, it came at a heartbreaking cost. The story ends in irony: the family gains money, but loses Paul, the very person who gave them that wealth through love and sacrifice.

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10. What message does the story “The Rocking-horse Winner” convey?

20 words:

The story warns against greed, emotional neglect, and equating love with money. True happiness comes from love, not wealth.

40 words:

“The Rocking-horse Winner” teaches that chasing money without emotional connection can destroy lives. Paul’s desire to win love through wealth ends in tragedy. The story criticizes materialism and shows that love, not luck or money, brings lasting happiness.

60 words:

The story conveys that money can’t replace love, and emotional neglect can deeply hurt children. Paul’s mother equated success with money, which pushed him to prove himself lucky. His desire to earn her love led to emotional stress, obsession, and death. The story reminds us to value relationships, emotional warmth, and genuine affection over material wealth and outward appearances.

80 words:

D.H. Lawrence’s story sends a strong message about the dangers of materialism and emotional emptiness. It shows how children can suffer when parents equate love with wealth. Paul tries to win his mother’s affection by earning money through betting. But the more he wins, the more the house demands. In the end, he dies trying to silence the cries for “more money.” The story teaches that true luck is not in money, but in being loved, understood, and emotionally secure.

11. What role did Bassett play in Paul’s life?

20 words:

Bassett was Paul’s trusted betting partner. He supported Paul’s decisions, placed bets, and kept his secrets safe from everyone.

40 words:

Bassett played a major role in Paul’s secret world. He respected Paul’s feelings, followed his instructions, and placed bets on his behalf. More than a servant, Bassett was a loyal friend and helper in Paul’s mission to be lucky.

60 words:

Bassett was more than just a gardener—he was Paul’s secret companion in betting. He listened carefully when Paul predicted winning horses and placed the bets faithfully. He never broke Paul’s trust, not even with Uncle Oscar. His respectful and quiet nature made Paul feel supported. Bassett helped Paul earn large sums of money but didn’t realize it was harming Paul emotionally.

80 words:

Bassett was Paul’s trusted partner in the world of horse betting. He admired Paul’s gift and always supported his decisions. Bassett treated Paul with respect, took his predictions seriously, and placed bets without asking questions. He also managed the money safely and never revealed Paul’s secret to his family. Their friendship was built on loyalty and trust. However, despite his good intentions, Bassett didn’t understand the emotional toll this pressure had on Paul’s mind and health.

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12. What was Paul’s mother’s view on luck and money?

20 words:

She believed being lucky brings money. According to her, it's better to be born lucky than to be born rich.

40 words:

Paul’s mother told him that luck, not hard work, brings money. She believed their family was poor because her husband had no luck. This belief deeply influenced Paul, making him obsessed with becoming lucky and solving their financial problems.

60 words:

Paul’s mother believed that luck was the real reason people had money. She thought her family lacked money because her husband was unlucky. She once told Paul, “It’s better to be born lucky than rich.” This idea affected Paul deeply. He became determined to prove that he was lucky and could earn money for her. Unfortunately, this belief drove him into an obsession with horse betting.

80 words:

Paul’s mother believed that money didn’t come from hard work or effort — it came from being lucky. She told Paul it’s better to be born lucky than to be born rich, because a lucky person will always find ways to get money. She felt unlucky herself, especially because her husband never succeeded financially. This belief influenced Paul heavily, and he made it his mission to become lucky and earn money to win her love. Sadly, this belief led to his tragic end.

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13. How did Paul’s obsession affect his health?

20 words:

Paul’s obsession with luck and winning races made him mentally and physically weak, leading to brain fever and death.

40 words:

Paul's mind was consumed by the need to be lucky and stop the whispers in the house. He stopped resting, became pale and weak, and finally collapsed from exhaustion and brain fever after predicting the Derby winner, Malabar.

60 words:

Paul’s obsession with predicting winning horses drained his energy and peace. He would ride his rocking-horse in secret, pushing himself to “get there.” His mind became unstable, and he looked pale and tense. The pressure to win the Derby was too much. After he screamed the winner’s name, he collapsed from brain fever and never recovered. His desire to be lucky cost him his life.

80 words:

Paul’s constant need to be “lucky” took a severe toll on his body and mind. He spent long hours riding his rocking-horse in a trance, trying to discover winning horse names. As the pressure to win the Derby increased, Paul became physically weak, emotionally distant, and mentally unstable. He couldn’t sleep well and was always tense. After finally predicting Malabar’s win, he collapsed and died from brain fever. His obsession with luck, driven by love for his mother, ended his young life.

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14. What is the significance of Paul’s rocking-horse?

20 words:

The rocking-horse symbolized Paul’s obsession with finding luck. He believed riding it would help him predict winning horses.

40 words:

The rocking-horse was not just a toy — it became Paul’s tool to “get lucky.” He believed it helped him discover which horse would win races. His intense rides on it reflected his growing mental and emotional pressure.

60 words:

Paul’s rocking-horse symbolized his desperate search for control, luck, and his mother’s love. Whenever he rode it in a trance, he believed it would help him find the winning horse. The rocking-horse became his only escape, his magical guide to success. But it also symbolized his growing madness. In the end, the same horse that helped him win money led to his physical and emotional collapse.

80 words:

In the story, the rocking-horse represents Paul’s obsession with being lucky. It’s not just a toy—it becomes a magical tool in his mind. When he rides it, he enters a trance where he believes he can predict the winning horse. This belief gives him hope, control, and a purpose. However, the rocking-horse also symbolizes Paul’s mental strain and his sacrifice. His repeated rides take a heavy toll on his health, and in the end, the horse becomes a symbol of his tragic downfall.

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15. How does the story criticize materialism?

20 words:

The story shows that materialism leads to emotional emptiness. Chasing money destroyed Paul’s childhood, peace, and ultimately his life.

40 words:

Paul’s mother is never satisfied with money, and this greed creates pressure in the family. The story shows that money cannot replace love. Paul tries to win love through wealth but ends up losing his life, showing materialism’s dangers.

60 words:

The story clearly criticizes materialism by showing how greed for money destroyed Paul’s family. His mother is emotionally cold and values wealth more than love. Paul, a young child, sacrifices everything to earn money and be loved. But no amount of money could make his mother happy. In the end, materialism robs the family of their son and peace. The story reminds us that love and relationships are more important than money.

80 words:

D.H. Lawrence’s story sharply criticizes materialism by showing its negative effects on relationships and mental health. Paul’s mother believes happiness comes from money, and this thinking destroys her bond with her children. Paul, hoping to fix this, starts gambling and becomes obsessed with making money. But no matter how much he wins, the family’s greed only grows. The emotional emptiness remains. In trying to buy love, Paul loses his childhood, his health, and finally his life. The story warns that materialism ruins true happiness.

16. Why did Paul say “It’s Malabar” while riding the horse?

20 words:

Paul was sure Malabar would win the Derby. He screamed its name while riding, just before collapsing from exhaustion.

40 words:

Paul shouted “It’s Malabar!” because he had finally received the name of the winning horse while riding his rocking-horse. It was his last and most important prediction, and he put all his strength into discovering the winner.

60 words:

While riding his rocking-horse, Paul entered a trance-like state where he believed he could predict the winning horse. As the Derby approached, he became desperate to “get there.” Finally, after a furious ride, he screamed “It’s Malabar!” — the horse he was sure would win. This was his last big prediction, and the physical and mental effort left him unconscious.

80 words:

Paul’s cry of “It’s Malabar!” came at the end of his intense, exhausting ride on his rocking-horse. He believed that riding it helped him reach a magical state where he could know which horse would win. With the Derby approaching, he felt extreme pressure to be right. When Malabar’s name came to him, he screamed it with all his might. Sadly, this final ride took all his energy, and he collapsed shortly after, marking the tragic climax of the story.

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17. Why did Paul keep riding the rocking-horse even when sick?

20 words:

Paul believed he must win the Derby to silence the whispers and please his mother, even at the cost of health.

40 words:

Despite being sick, Paul kept riding the rocking-horse because he believed winning the Derby was his last chance to fix everything. He wanted to stop the house’s whispers and finally prove himself lucky to gain his mother’s love.

60 words:

Paul was physically weak, but emotionally driven. He believed winning the Derby would bring happiness, peace, and love to his home. The whispers of “more money” haunted him. He thought only by discovering the winning horse could he stop the whispers and make his mother proud. So, even though he was sick, he continued riding the rocking-horse with desperate energy, hoping to “get there” one final time.

80 words:

Paul’s determination to be “lucky” overpowered his failing health. He was haunted by the constant pressure of “more money” in the house and felt that predicting the Derby winner was his final chance to make a difference. He believed that if he could win, the house would stop whispering and his mother would finally be happy. Driven by love and pressure, he rode the rocking-horse intensely, ignoring his physical condition. His desperation cost him his strength, and ultimately, his life.

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18. What does Paul’s death symbolize in the story?

20 words:

Paul’s death symbolizes the destruction caused by greed, emotional neglect, and society’s obsession with wealth over love and well-being.

40 words:

Paul’s death shows the painful result of society’s focus on money instead of love. He tried to win affection by earning wealth, but it cost him his childhood and life. His death warns against losing oneself in the race for riches.

60 words:

Paul’s tragic death symbolizes what happens when love is replaced by material desires. He wanted to be lucky to win his mother’s love, but she never understood his pain. In trying to earn money, Paul lost his innocence, joy, and eventually, his life. His death is a powerful message that wealth cannot replace emotional care or happiness in a family.

80 words:

Paul’s death is the story’s most powerful symbol. It reflects how materialism, emotional neglect, and pressure to succeed can destroy even the most innocent lives. Paul gave everything — his energy, health, and life — just to earn love and stop the hunger for money. But his mother remained emotionally cold, and the family’s greed only grew. His death shows that money cannot heal broken relationships or provide true peace. It stands as a warning against valuing wealth over emotional connection and human life.

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19. Was Paul truly lucky in the story? Explain.

20 words:

Paul won large sums of money, but he wasn’t truly lucky. His emotional pain and early death prove that.

40 words:

Paul was lucky in terms of money — he predicted winners and earned thousands. But true luck includes peace, love, and life. Paul lacked all three. His tragic end proves he wasn’t really lucky, just desperately hopeful.

60 words:

Though Paul won many horse races and earned over eighty thousand pounds, he wasn’t truly lucky. He was constantly stressed, desperate for his mother’s love, and mentally exhausted. His need to be lucky cost him his peace and life. True luck includes happiness, health, and love — things Paul never truly experienced. So, his financial success cannot be called real luck.

80 words:

Paul’s betting success made him appear lucky on the surface — he earned huge sums and predicted winners correctly. But deep inside, he was emotionally broken and desperate to win his mother’s love. He lacked peace, joy, and support from his family. His obsession with luck was a cry for emotional connection, not just money. In the end, his so-called luck led to his death. So, while he was lucky in gambling, he was deeply unlucky in life, love, and happiness.

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20. What does the phrase “There must be more money” represent in the story?

20 words:

The phrase represents the constant greed, dissatisfaction, and emotional emptiness haunting Paul’s family despite their outward luxury.

40 words:

“There must be more money” is the central symbol of the story. It reflects the endless greed and financial anxiety in Paul’s home. The whispering voice haunts the family, pushing Paul to win money and earn his mother’s affection.

60 words:

The haunting phrase “There must be more money” symbolizes the emotional and financial greed within Paul’s household. Though they lived in comfort, they always felt poor. This whisper becomes a symbol of dissatisfaction and emotional emptiness. Paul hears it everywhere and believes it’s his job to stop it by winning money. This thought becomes his obsession and ultimately leads to tragedy.

80 words:

The phrase “There must be more money” is the most important symbol in the story. It doesn’t come from a person, but from the atmosphere of the house, showing how deeply the desire for wealth had taken over the family. It reflects their never-ending greed, insecurity, and emotional coldness. Paul hears this whisper and believes it’s his duty to silence it. He sacrifices his peace and health to end that whisper, proving that material hunger can haunt and destroy families, even from the inside.