CBSE Class 11 English Woven Words: The Rocking-horse Winner NCERT Solutions

Young Paul's restlessness originated from his mother's persistent unhappiness, which he sensed deeply. She often spoke about their family's lack of luck, lamenting that they were not fortunate enough to afford luxuries like a car. This constant expression of discontent and the perceived misfortune associated with their father's lack of luck made Paul worry intensely about his mother's state of mind and their financial situation. His restlessness found expression in his deep concern for his mother and his burgeoning desire to change their circumstances.

Paul's mother was not satisfied with the yearly gift of 1,000 pounds because she was inherently discontented and perpetually desired more wealth and luxury. She believed she was destined for a richer life and felt that the gradual income was insufficient to meet her aspirations. Her dissatisfaction stemmed from a deep-seated belief that she deserved more from life, leading her to wish for the entire sum of 5,000 pounds to be received at once, rather than spread over five years.

As Paul grew older, his mother's anxiety increased due to his increasing involvement and obsession with horse racing. She observed that he became overly stressed and tense whenever he engaged with the races. Concerned about his well-being and the potential negative impact on his health, she urged others, like the gardener and his uncle, to keep him away from it. Her fears were heightened, and she would rush back from social events, only to find him in a critical state, underscoring her deep worry for his safety and mental health.

Paul was driven by a powerful determination to prove his luck to his mother and bring her happiness. He was constantly influenced by what he perceived as the house whispering about the need for more money. This obsession led him to engage heavily in horse racing, which took a significant toll on his health due to the immense stress and pressure. In his final, decisive bet on Malabar during the Derby, he managed to win a substantial sum of 80,000 pounds, making the family rich. However, the extreme exertion and emotional turmoil associated with this ultimate gamble proved fatal, costing him his young life.

The notion that 'luck is necessary for success in life' is a subject of varied opinions. Some individuals strongly believe that luck plays a pivotal role, attributing their achievements to fortunate circumstances or destiny. They might feel that hard work alone is insufficient and that a stroke of good luck is essential to achieve significant success. Conversely, others emphasize the paramount importance of diligent effort, perseverance, and skill, believing that success is primarily a result of hard work and determination, with luck being a minor or non-existent factor. People's perspectives often depend on their personal experiences and philosophies, leading to a spectrum of beliefs ranging from complete reliance on luck to a firm conviction in the power of one's own efforts.

Paul's mother harbored a strong desire for wealth and a luxurious lifestyle, believing she was meant for riches. However, she held a contradictory stance regarding the means to achieve this wealth, specifically disapproving of betting on horses. While she was unhappy with their financial situation and the perceived lack of luck, she viewed gambling as an immoral or unlucky practice. This created a conflict within her: she craved the outcome (riches) but disliked the method (betting) that Paul employed to achieve it. Her disapproval likely stemmed from a moral objection or a fear that such activities could lead to ruin, even though she herself was driven by materialistic desires.