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    • Chapter

      39 Seedy Sam

      39 Seedy Sam Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter 39 of "Black Beauty," titled "Seedy Sam," the narrative highlights the harsh realities faced by cab horses and their drivers in Victorian England, underscoring the systemic issues of exploitation and poverty. The chapter presents a dialogue between Seedy Sam, a downtrodden cab driver, and the governor at the cab stand. Sam, worn and desperate, arrives with his beaten horse, drawing the attention and sympathy of the governor and bystanders. Sam's monologue reveals the dire working conditions…
    • 38 Dolly and a Real Gentleman Cover
      by LovelyMay Winter brought harsh conditions for both horses and their drivers, with continuous snow, sleet, and rain making their work particularly tough. The severe weather took a toll on the horses, exacerbated when they had to pull heavy loads on slippery streets, struggling to maintain their balance. Drivers, especially those lacking means, faced their own hardships, often having to endure long hours in the cold, sometimes forsaking warmth for the chance of earning a fare. In stark contrast, Jerry managed to…
    • 37 The Golden Rule Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 37 of "Black Beauty" titled "The Golden Rule" narrates a significant event where Jerry Barker, the kind cab driver, chooses compassion and community service over his and his horse's need for rest. The chapter begins in a light-toned setting with Polly, Jerry's wife, informing him that Mrs. Briggs, a former regular customer, requests his cab services again after trying and being dissatisfied with other cabs. Mrs. Briggs had ceased using Jerry's cab on Sundays, respecting his day of rest, but an…
    • 36 The Sunday Cab Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Sunday Cab," Jerry Barker, a conscientious cab driver, and his horse Black Beauty are approached by Mr. Briggs, desiring to hire Jerry for Sunday church services. Jerry courteously declines, explaining his license only permits working six days a week. His refusal is rooted deeper than legalities; previously enduring the grueling seven-day work schedule, Jerry shifted to a six-day license to ensure a day of rest for himself, his family, and his horses. Jerry values this day for spiritual…
    • 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…
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