I think people should focus more on the motivation, not the relationship between the characters, to make a refrence back to modern society.
We have a mother wishing to have "more money". Its reiterated throughout the whole story and therefore important. Her motivation for wanting more money is thr fact that her husband can't please her becuase he is unlucky and therefore makes them "the poor members of the family".
As for Paul, yes he is on his rocking horse a lot of the time, and yes rocking horse symbolizes masturbation, but why? He's feels that if he rides it long enough he will know who the winner is making him "lucky". He does this because he wants to prove to his mom that he is lucky, unlike his father. I think the important idea here is that Paul, who is a "prophet" and stongly described as a religious type of guys, is driven my immoral standards. For example when he says "Its as if he heard it from the heavons" page 974 and "God told me" page 972. I think the metaphor about sexual activity is to describe how society is run by desires that are not honorable, much like paul in the story.
The story could also signify how parents ask too much from thier children since the story revovles around a boy who is trying to please his mothers needs yet she takes everything hes got to offer, killing him. That seems shallow to me but it could be it.
I don't understand how paul "riding on his rocing horse" would stop the voices from whispering though. Like I know if he rides his horse it will make him realize the winner which will bring money to his mom..but the more he gives the more she wants. Doesnt that just mean the voices will get louder as the desire grows not stop? I guess we'll see on monday..
There is no right or wrong answer on this right? I really hope not...- Andrea
