46 Jakes and the Lady

In Chapter 46 of “Black Beauty,” titled “Jakes and the Lady,” the narrative unfolds from Black Beauty’s perspective, detailing a demanding period in his life after being sold to a corn dealer and baker. Under the ownership of a man who, while generally ensuring good food and fair work, often leaves the premises, entrusting operations to a foreman who habitually overloads Black Beauty. The foreman’s insistence on maximizing each journey strains Black Beauty beyond his capacity, especially with a cruelly applied check-rein that hampers his ability to pull efficiently.

One particular day, burdened with an exceptionally heavy load and challenged by a steep uphill road, Black Beauty struggles to proceed, despite exerting his utmost effort. His driver, Jakes, responds to his faltering with whip lashes, spurring Black Beauty on with threats and violence. This physical and emotional torment devastates Black Beauty, who feels unfairly punished for his inevitable shortcomings under such conditions.

Intervention comes in the form of a compassionate lady who witnesses Black Beauty’s plight and confronts Jakes. She pleads with Jakes to consider the horse’s limitations, pointing out the unreasonable load and the steepness of the road. Moreover, she suggests that removing the check-rein could afford Black Beauty a better chance to utilize his full strength. Initially skeptical, Jakes is persuaded by the lady’s earnest appeal and agrees to free Black Beauty from the check-rein.

The effect is immediate and profound. Liberated, Black Beauty is able to adjust his stance, relieving the stiffness and discomfort in his neck, and with renewed determination and the lady’s gentle encouragement, he successfully pulls the heavy load up the hill. The lady’s kindness and understanding bring a moment of relief to Black Beauty’s challenging existence, highlighting the profound impact of empathy and the importance of considering the welfare of animals in human care. She leaves Jakes with the consideration of the unnecessary cruelty of the check-rein, suggesting a shift from conventional methods toward more compassionate treatment, even if it goes against the prevailing norms among carters.