NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English (Woven Words) Short Stories 3 The Rocking-horse Winner

Class : 11th

Subject : English

Chapter : 3

Chapter Name : The Rocking-horse Winner

Q1 What was the reason for young Paul’s restlessness at the beginning of the story? How did it
find expression?

Answer. The reason behind young Paul's restlessness is the revelation of the fact that they are
not lucky to him. He's worried that they don't have enough funds to buy a car and therefore have
to borrow every time. He is of the opinion that this is because of his father and because of the
same reason even the mother is unhappy. He senses the lack of luxuries of life and takes being
unlucky the reason for the ill fate.

Q2 Why do you think Paul’s mother was not satisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1,000
pounds for five years?

Answer. The reason behind Paul being unsatisfied with the yearly birthday gift of 1000 pounds
is that his mother was also unhappy. She deserved a lot more than what she actually was
presented with. Her expectations high resulted in the lack of happiness and sense of
accomplishment when presented with the said gifts. That is why she thinks that the house
needs more money.

Q3 What was the reason for the anxiety of Paul’s mother as he grew older?

Answer. Paul was a child who suffered from Autistic syndrome and thus the thinking of his
mother that the house needs more money startles his mind. In the anticipation of earning more
money, he starts betting on racehorses. But their luck plays a game here and he loses multiple
times. Paul's mother was anxious because of the fact that Paul lost more and more and yet he
was betting again hoping to win the next time. The reason behind his repetitive betting was the
urge to prove his luck to his mother. That's why Paul's mother was anxious and left the party to
see him.