In D.H. Lawrence's, " The Rocking Horse Winner" Hester is a complex individual with a variety of characteristics. Hester reveals that she is materialistic, emotionally dark, and has a negative attitude.
Hester's appearances may be deceiving, but one characteristic that stands out was
her materialistic attitude in life. Hester is dissatisfied with the salary she makes and the
luxuries she doesn't have. Though Hester does not voice her feelings towards the money
issue, we know the whispering in the house reflects her feelings. "There must be more
money, there must be more money," this voice constantly reminds Hester and the family
of their status. "When she had more money, she spent it on luxuries," this represents
Hester's materialism at its peak. "Paul's mother had a long interview with the lawyer
asking if the whole five thousand could be advanced at once." In this quote Hester
persists the lawyer to give her all the money , instead of being grateful for what was
already offered. Master Paul hopes his mother will be happy after she receives the
money. Yet Hester does not show any acknowledgment to Paul or the family about
receiving money. "Quite moderately nice she said, her voice cold and absent," this quote
brings out Hester's constant dissatisfaction towards Paul and the family. After the young
boy Paul transfers money to Hester, her lifestyle changes. Luxuries were somewhat
affordable now so she splurges on furs, dances at parties, and starts to buy the finer things
in life. The house started to whisper worse then it ever had before. Even after Hester had received her money, her greed grew along with the voices in the house, "the voices in the
house suddenly went mad." Hester's materialistic outlook on life cause many problems and contributed to the houses unloving atmosphere.
...