The author uses the rocking-horse to show Paul’s determination to get his mother’s love. He wishes to see his mother happy and he, therefore, sets out to give her the money that she desires. Paul’s mother wishes to lead a lavish life, but she blames Paul’s father for his bad luck. Paul, therefore, rides the horse until he is sure of the horse that will win the race. In this way, he earns the money and proves his luck. At the end, it can be seen that he is successful in earning his mother’s love too. Her concern for his health grows and she worries about him but loses his life over the money.