The Rocking Horse Winner

Which of the following best describes Paul's mother in the introduction to the story?

• kind and loving, a good mother

• cold and distant, burdened

• somewhat indifferent, but with good intentions

• physically and emotionally abusive

What does Paul's "luck" cost him?

• his strength

• his horse

• his sister

• his life

Why is Paul so determined to be "lucky"?

• He is greedy.

• He wants to be like his dad.

• He wants his uncle's respect.

• He needs his mother's affection.

On what does Paul's mother blame the family's financial situation?

• the economy

• her husband's bad luck

• her own spending habits

• her paltry inheritance

What does the mother buy with the money left to her through the lawyer?

• a horse for Paul

• furnishings

• a car

What reason does Paul give for keeping his toy rocking horse?

• he considers it a good luck charm

• he wants to keep it until he gets a real horse

What is the theme of the story?

• greed destroys

• money can't destroy true love

What is the tone of the story?

• morose

• resentful

• ominous

Why doesn't Paul want his mother to know that he bets on races?

• she'd want the money

• she'd fire Bassett

• she'd make Paul stop betting

What is Paul's "secret in a secret"?

• He paid off the mortgage for his mother

• He rides his rocking-horse to get the name of the winning horse

• He is running away from home to live with Uncle Oscar

• He asks Bassett which horse will win the race