• Chapter

      35 Jerry Barker

      35 Jerry Barker Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 35 of "Black Beauty" presents an enriching account of Black Beauty's experiences with his new master, Jerry Barker, showcasing Jerry's principles, compassion, and the warm environment he fosters both for his family and his horses. Jerry, depicted as an epitome of kindness, morality, and joy, enriches the narrative with his life's simple but profound philosophies. The chapter opens with a tribute to Jerry's character, comparing his integrity and benevolence to that of John Manly, another character…
    • 34 An Old War Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 34 "An Old War Horse" of "Black Beauty," the narrative is shared from the perspective of Captain, a seasoned army horse. Initially thrilled with his military training, Captain finds solidarity and purpose in the disciplined life alongside his fellow equines and his first owner, a young cavalry officer bound for the Crimean War. He details the vigorous exercises of trotting, turning, halting, and dashing forward on command, cherishing the bond formed with his owner, who treated him with unmatched…
    • 33 A London Cab Horse Cover
      by LovelyMay Jeremiah "Jerry" Barker becomes the new master of Black Beauty, alongside his warm and lively family comprising his wife Polly, their twelve-year-old boy Harry, and their eight-year-old daughter Dolly. The household's affection and happiness are unlike anything Black Beauty has experienced before. Jerry owns a cab and another horse named Captain, a noble, elderly horse with a distinguished military past, having served in the Crimean War. On Black Beauty's first morning, Polly and Dolly warmly welcome…
    • Chapter

      32 A Horse Fair

      32 A Horse Fair Cover
      by LovelyMay At a horse fair, a variety of horses gather, showcasing a range of conditions from prime, spirited breeds flaunting their paces, to the downtrodden and overworked creatures bearing the marks of hard labor. Among these, Black Beauty finds himself, reflecting on the potential of falling into such despair, reinforcing the somber reality faced by many horses. The fair is bustling, echoing with the negotiations and deceit that often accompany horse trading, where Beauty observes the multitude of human…
    • Chapter

      31 A Humbug

      31 A Humbug Cover
      by LovelyMay In the chapter titled "A Humbug," from "Black Beauty," we are introduced to Alfred Smirk, the newly appointed groom for Black Beauty, who is described as a tall, good-looking individual but ultimately revealed to be a fraud in terms of his grooming duties. Smirk is courteous towards Black Beauty, especially in the presence of his master, and ensures that the horse looks presentable by brushing its mane and tail and applying oil to its hoofs. However, his grooming is superficial, neglecting thorough…
    • Chapter

      30 A Thief

      30 A Thief Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Thief," from "Black Beauty," the narrator, a horse, recounts his experience with a new master in Bath. This master, an unmarried businessman, buys Black Beauty for horseback riding upon his doctor's advice. He hires a stable and a man named Filcher to care for the horse. Initially, Beauty is well-provided for, with an abundance of quality food specified by the master. However, over time, Beauty notices a decrease in the oats provided, replaced increasingly by bran, which begins to affect his…
    • Chapter

      29 Cockneys

      29 Cockneys Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 29 of "Black Beauty" provides an insightful perspective on the experiences and challenges faced by horses under the care of different drivers. The chapter criticizes the steam-engine style of driving, predominantly adopted by cockney drivers from towns unfamiliar with the nuances of horse handling, treating horses like inanimate machines rather than sentient beings. These drivers, lacking experience and empathy, often push horses beyond their limits, disregarding road conditions, inclines, and the…
    • 28 A Job Horse and His Drivers Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Job Horse and His Drivers," from the novel "Black Beauty," the narrator, a horse named Black Beauty, recounts the various experiences of being driven by different kinds of drivers after becoming a "job horse," rented out to whoever wished to hire him. His gentle and good-tempered nature meant that he was often leased to inexperienced drivers, exposing him to an array of poor driving techniques. Black Beauty first discusses drivers who keep the reins excessively tight, believing that control over…
    • 27 Ruined and Going Downhill Cover
      by LovelyMay In chapter 27 of "Black Beauty," Beauty narrates his experience of recovery and reuniting with his friend Ginger after both had suffered due to the negligence and ill-treatment of their riders. After Beauty’s knees healed, he was turned into a meadow alone, where he felt the pangs of loneliness until Ginger joined him, also in recovery after being pushed too hard in a race by Lord George. Ginger and Beauty shared their grievances, reflecting on how their prime years were marred by a drunkard and a fool,…
    • Chapter

      26 How it Ended

      26 How it Ended Cover
      by LovelyMay In the dead of night, Black Beauty hears the distant sound of a horse's hooves, growing clearer and nearer, indicating someone might be coming to find them. The noise, recognizable as Ginger's steps attached to a dog-cart, brings hope. As the cart approaches, Black Beauty neighs and receives a response from Ginger, accompanied by men's voices. They discover Reuben, prone and unresponsive on the ground, later pronounced dead with noticeable coldness and blood-soaked hair, suggesting a severe injury. The…
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