Black Beauty · Chapter
XIX: Only Ignorance explained
Black Beauty is gravely ill and being treated by Mr.
What happens
Black Beauty is gravely ill and being treated by Mr. Bond. John Manly and Thomas Green discuss Joe Green's role in Beauty's illness, with John initially struggling to forgive Joe but eventually agreeing to speak kindly to him. John argues that ignorance is nearly as harmful as wickedness, using examples of Martha Mulwash, Bill Starkey, and the young ladies who damaged Tom's plants.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness and Empathy
John's internal struggle and eventual willingness to forgive Joe Green despite his anger.
The Importance of a Good Character
John's speech emphasizes that ignorance, not just malice, can cause great harm, highlighting the need for knowledge and responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Black Beauty
Narrator, gravely ill and recovering, overhears the conversation between John and Tom.
- John Manly
Cares for Black Beauty, struggles with anger toward Joe Green but agrees to forgive him.
- Joe Green
Mentioned as brokenhearted and blamed for Beauty's illness, though he acted out of ignorance.
- Thomas Green
Pleads with John to be kind to Joe, and discusses the damage caused by ignorance.
- Ginger
Moved to another stable so Beauty could rest quietly.
Key passages
“Only ignorance! only ignorance! how can you talk about only ignorance? Don’t you know that it is the worst thing in the world, next to wickedness?—and which does the most mischief heaven only knows.”
John exclaims that ignorance is almost as bad as wickedness, and it's impossible to say which causes more harm.
John's central argument about the dangers of ignorance.
“I wish, John, you'd say a bit of a kind word to Joe. The boy is quite brokenhearted; he can't eat his meals, and he can't smile.”
Tom Green asks John to offer Joe some comfort, as Joe is devastated and blames himself.
Tom's plea for John to show compassion to Joe.