Lesson 4: Theme: Gambling

Paper.

The title refers to how people tend to put their assets on paper. In this case, which would be the stock certificate- proof that you have bought the stock. You exchange your hard-earned money for this piece of paper, this gamble.


It is a highly risky gamble, people can lose their lives' savings, or they can gain an immense amount of money. That is the gamble. Like ordinary gambling in the casino, instead of chips on the poker table, you have the stock certificate. If you choose the wrong cards, you will lose your chips. When you dare to play the stock market, its like another form of gambling, betting on horses. You bet the share you choose. You watch it rise, you watch it drop, but in the end, can you win?


In Paper, Tay Soon and Yee Lian invested their money on stocks and were lucky enough to enjoy an extremely high increase in their stock worth. However, when the fall came, they lost a lot of money. In the end, they lose so much money that Tay Soon becomes so stressed, he dies. Now, to fulfil his impossible dream house, they buy a paper house to fulfil his aspiration. In paper.


Lottery


Ah Boh's superstitions were just because he was so desperate that he was willing to try out anything, that's why he listened to every method that would "bring him luck". She just needed the money. But she was too lazy to work for the money. Instead, she sincerely believes that gambling is her sole ticket to being rich.


She does not have the gambling habit. It is so serious, that it cannot be classified in the same league as being a mere habit. Its an addiction. It was her heroin. She just wants that elusive feeling of winning the lottery. The prize money can pull a beggar out of poverty. But the thing is, she is even willing to spend her salary on gambling instead of providing for her aged mother.

The Rocking Horse Winner

I believe that it was the entire prospect of gambling that killed Paul. Uncle Oscar, Bassett and even Paul is responsible for Paul's own death. Gambling is very addictive, it can act like a magnet, that will hold you forever. Uncle Oscar and Bassettt should have known much better than to let Paul bet. The two adults should have been more responsible and refrained Paul from gambling instead of encouraging him. Paul himself should have long realised that gambling could lead to an addiction and when your addiction is very strong, you could indirectly hurt a person either physically or emotionally. in this story, Paul paid with his life.