Black Beauty · Chapter
My Breaking In explained
Black Beauty describes his physical development and the process of being broken in by his master, who ensures he is not frightened or hurt.
What happens
Black Beauty describes his physical development and the process of being broken in by his master, who ensures he is not frightened or hurt. He learns to wear a bit, bridle, saddle, and harness, and is gradually accustomed to carrying a rider and pulling a cart. His master also sends him to a neighboring farm to become desensitized to trains. Black Beauty's mother advises him to always do his best and maintain a good name, warning him about the different kinds of men he may encounter.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness and Empathy
Black Beauty's master uses gentle methods, coaxing, and patience during the breaking-in process, contrasting with cruel practices.
Freedom vs. Confinement
The breaking-in process imposes restrictions on the horse's natural behaviors, such as not being able to jump for joy or lie down when harnessed.
Characters to notice
- Black Beauty
The narrator, a young horse being broken in; describes his physical appearance and the training process.
- Ginger
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Merrylegs
Not directly present in this chapter.
- John Manly
Not directly present in this chapter.
- James Howard
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Joe Green
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Jeremiah Barker
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Polly Barker
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Squire Gordon
Examines Black Beauty at age four and expresses interest in buying him after he is broken in.
- Mr. York
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Lady Anne
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Reuben Smith
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Harry Barker
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Dolly Barker
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Sir Oliver
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Hotspur
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Peggy
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Captain
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Seedy Sam
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Jakes
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Thoroughgood
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Willie Thoroughgood
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Colonel Blantyre
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Lord W⸺
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Alfred Smirk
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Max
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Bill Starkey
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Dick Towler
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Thomas Green
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Barry
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Nicholas Skinner
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Lizzie
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Miss Ellen
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Miss Jessie
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Miss Flora
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Dr. White
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mrs. Briggs
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Briggs
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Sir Clifford Williams
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Lord George
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Grant
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Jack
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Dinah Brown
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Rory
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Robert
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Smith
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. B
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Old Norman
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Clay
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Wright
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Mr. Bond
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Governor Gray
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Braydon
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Rob Roy
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Justice
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Liberty
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Martha Mulwash
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Ned
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Ladybird
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Skye
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Susan
Not directly present in this chapter.
- Larry
Not directly present in this chapter.
Key passages
“I was now beginning to grow handsome; my coat had grown fine and soft, and was bright black. I had one white foot and a pretty white star on my forehead.”
Black Beauty describes his physical appearance as a young horse with a glossy black coat, one white foot, and a white star on his forehead.
Introduction of Black Beauty's distinctive markings.
“My master said he would break me in himself, as he should not like me to be frightened or hurt, and he lost no time about it, for the next day he began.”
Black Beauty's master decides to personally train him to avoid causing fear or pain, starting the process immediately.
Highlights the master's considerate approach to training.
“Everyone may not know what breaking in is, therefore I will describe it.”
Black Beauty explains the concept of breaking in for readers unfamiliar with it.
Narrative explanation of horse training.
“He must never start at what he sees, nor speak to other horses, nor bite, nor kick, nor have any will of his own; but always do his master’s will, even though he may be very tired or hungry; but the worst of all is, when his harness is once on, he may neither jump for joy nor lie down for weariness.”
A trained horse must suppress all natural instincts and desires, obeying the master's commands regardless of physical condition.
Describes the strict demands of breaking in.
“Those who have never had a bit in their mouths cannot think how bad it feels; a great piece of cold hard steel as thick as a man’s finger to be pushed into one’s mouth, between one’s teeth, and over one’s tongue, with the ends coming out at the corner of your mouth, and held fast there by straps over your head, under your throat, round your nose, and under your chin; so that no way in the world can you get rid of the nasty hard thing; it is very bad!”
Black Beauty vividly describes the discomfort of wearing a bit, emphasizing its intrusive and inescapable nature.
First-person perspective on the unpleasantness of the bit.
“I shall never forget the first train that ran by. I was feeding quietly near the pales which separated the meadow from the railway, when I heard a strange sound at a distance, and before I knew whence it came—with a rush and a clatter, and a puffing out of smoke—a long black train of something flew by, and was gone almost before I could draw my breath.”
Black Beauty recalls his first encounter with a train, which startled him with its noise and speed.
Describes the frightening experience of seeing a train for the first time.
