I am supposed to write a review of the short story "The Rocking Horse Winner." I am unsure how to make an opinion of the short story without making it sound like a summary.

I would like to express that I think it is wonderfully written to depict the destructive nature of materialism and the effects it has on a family, but my first sentence sounds more like a "motif essay" than anything...

D.H Lawrence’s short story “The Rocking-Horse Winner,” is a wonderful depiction the destructive nature of materialism.

I need help on direction for writing an actual "review"
Tips? Comments?

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/bookrev.html

This is a webpage for writing book reviews, but the concepts are the same.

I'd take the ideas here and include them all, but focus the paper on your reactions and minimize the other sections. This is a powerful story, to be sure.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Should I focus on materialism, and tie it into today's times?

Would this work?:

Outline:
Introduce author, short story, one of the main themes: materialism.
Brief summary.
My reaction being that Paul's mother is like a today's teenager tendancies--
always worrying about appearance, never seeming to be satisfied.
always desiring more.

or would it a better approached a different way...
I've looked at the pre-writing questions, I'm just having a hard time tying this story into those questions...

I think your connecting Paul's mother with today's teen materialism is excellent -- very fitting. Be careful of overgeneralizing, though, but basically, I think you're on the right track with this.

There may be some ideas in the "themes" section that will help you focus.

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-rockinghorsewinner/themes.html

Writing a review of a short story can indeed be challenging, especially when you want to avoid simply summarizing the plot. Here are some tips to help you write a thoughtful and engaging review of "The Rocking Horse Winner":

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your review by briefly mentioning the author, title, and genre of the short story to provide context for your analysis. Then, capture your reader's attention by incorporating a captivating opening sentence or paragraph that relates to the themes explored in the story.

Example: "In D.H. Lawrence's haunting short story, 'The Rocking Horse Winner," the pursuit of wealth becomes a dark obsession that shatters the fragile equilibrium of a seemingly ordinary family."

2. Identify the core themes: To craft an opinionated review, it's crucial to identify and discuss the major themes presented in the story. Consider the destructive nature of materialism, the impact of unfulfilled desires, the consequences of excessive parental expectations, and any other themes that resonate with you.

3. Explore character development: Analyze how the characters are portrayed and developed throughout the story. Pay attention to their motivations, interactions, and how they contribute to the overall message. Focus on the protagonist, Paul, and his mother to examine their complexities and the transformation they undergo.

4. Evaluate the writing style and techniques: Assess the author's writing style and the literary techniques employed to convey the themes. Discuss the use of symbolism, foreshadowing, vivid imagery, or any other literary devices that contribute to the story's impact. Quote specific examples to support your analysis.

5. Consider the plot structure: Although you want to avoid summarizing, you can still touch upon key plot points to guide your analysis. Instead of providing a detailed plot summary, selectively mention significant events that contribute to the exploration of themes or character development.

6. Express your personal response: A review is a reflection of your individual opinion. Share how the story affected you, whether it resonated emotionally, provoked deep thought, or left you with lingering questions. Be honest and transparent about your emotional response while providing concrete reasons to support your evaluation.

7. Provide a concise conclusion: Summarize your main points briefly while reiterating your overall impression of the story. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion and aim to leave readers with a lasting impression of your analysis.

Example: "D.H. Lawrence's 'The Rocking Horse Winner' captivated me with its unflinching portrayal of the destructive power of materialism. Through the compelling character development, masterful use of symbolism, and haunting plot, Lawrence invites readers to reflect on the repercussions of our insatiable desire for wealth. This short story serves as a timeless cautionary tale that unearths the devastating consequences of a society built on material pursuits."

Remember to present your opinions and evaluate the story's elements while supporting your arguments with evidence from the text. By doing so, you'll create a balanced review that incorporates your perspective without simply summarizing the plot.