A Lesson Not Learned Easily

             Lawrence, is an interesting story about luck and one's own fortune. In this story, Lawrence attempts to illustrate how one can shape their destiny instead of just believing in fate. There are many examples of just this kind of molding in the story; one such example is the character Paul. Paul strives to make his mother happy, through his luck, careful investments and irony he may have made this possible.
             Throughout the story luck is constantly mentioned, Paul was lucky and his mother Hester was not. It doesn't appear that Paul could be considered to be born lucky, the child of two unlucky parents. Hester resigned herself to the fact she was unlucky, despite all the things she was indeed lucky for. She had three healthy children she couldn't love them "she felt they had been thrust upon her" (646). She had a house to live in but she wasn't happy with it, "they always felt a anxiety in the house. There was never enough money" (646). She had a husband who she married because of love, yet the love went away "she married for love, and the love turned into dust"(646). The story says that Hester "wanted to be first in something, and did not succeed," (653) and when she did not obtain her goals she simply quit trying. Paul on the other hand, had dedicated himself to his goal of being, or possibly becoming lucky. He exerted great efforts to achieve his goals; this exertion would ultimately be the cause of his death. The story illustrates just how much he wanted to succeed, "He wanted luck, he wanted it, he wanted it." There was nothing that would stop him from becoming lucky, even possible death.
             In the story there are well placed literary examples that help illustrate how Paul and his mother viewed money differently. One such example is when Paul is furiously rocking away on his wooden horse in order to find "where there is luck"(648). Paul knew that if he were to succeed, he would have to work, despite what people said about his fevered riding "You"ll break your horse, Paul He's always riding like that! I wish he would leave off!"(648).