There are a lot of similarities between fairy tales and "The Rocking-Horse Winner," but it is good to note their differences also. Fairy tales usually have a really horrible, clear-cut antagonist or bad guy/girl. There's an evil witch, there's demons and ghouls, and in "The Rocking-Horse Winner," there is no such obviously evil and creepy villian. The villian instead is a metaphorical or symbolic one, and that is greed. Paul's mother is also cold and remote, prompting Paul to unhealthy actions.
Another difference is in the actual settings. Fairy tales are typically set in some fantasy land of castles and magic, or in times long, long ago. "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is set in what could be modern times, today. There are no castles, no trolls, no magical fairies and knights; it's just a modern, average family in an average lifestyle.
Also, consider the ending--fairy tales are classically wrapped up with the famous line, "And they lived happily ever after," and the main protagonist of the story does not die. He or she lives, finds total and complete happiness and love, and their lives are bliss. This is definitely not the case with Paul; his journey kills him. He does not ever truly gain the love he seeks from his mother, he does not quiet the haunting voices in the house, and does not live happily ever after. The pursuit of money and luck kills him. There's no magical apple, or princess that can revive him with a kiss. He's gone, and the story ends very sadly on that note.
I hope that those thoughts helped; good luck!
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