Black Beauty · Chapter
XXV: Reuben Smith explained
Reuben Smith, a skilled but alcoholic groom, is left in charge of the stables.
What happens
Reuben Smith, a skilled but alcoholic groom, is left in charge of the stables. Despite his competence, his drinking leads to his dismissal and later reinstatement. While driving Black Beauty back from a trip, Smith becomes drunk, ignores a loose shoe, and forces the horse to gallop on a stony road. Beauty loses a shoe, stumbles, and falls, throwing Smith, who lies motionless and groaning. Beauty is left in pain and alone on the dark road.
Themes in this chapter
Animal Welfare and Cruelty
Smith's drunkenness leads to cruel treatment of Black Beauty, forcing him to gallop on sharp stones with a lost shoe, causing severe pain and injury.
The Cycle of Misfortune
Smith's relapse into drinking, despite his promise, sets off a chain of events resulting in his fall and Beauty's injury, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.
Characters to notice
- Black Beauty
Narrator and sufferer of the fall; endures pain from a lost shoe and injured knees.
- Reuben Smith
Drunk and reckless driver; falls from Beauty and lies groaning, possibly seriously injured.
- Ginger
Mentioned as having arrived at the stable before the events of this chapter.
- Mr. York
Head coachman who left Smith in charge; previously interceded for Smith's reinstatement.
- Max
Old horse who told Beauty about Smith's past dismissal.
Key passages
“No one more thoroughly understood his business than he did, and when he was all right there could not be a more faithful or valuable man.”
Reuben Smith was highly skilled and reliable when sober, making him an excellent groom.
Highlights Smith's competence contrasted with his fatal flaw.
“He was not like some men, always at it; he used to keep steady for weeks or months together, and then he would break out and have a 'bout' of it, as York called it, and be a disgrace to himself, a terror to his wife, and a nuisance to all that had to do with him.”
Smith's drinking was intermittent but severe, causing harm to himself, his family, and others.
Describes the pattern of Smith's alcoholism and its impact.
“Of course my shoeless foot suffered dreadfully; the hoof was broken and split down to the very quick, and the inside was terribly cut by the sharpness of the stones.”
Beauty's bare hoof was severely damaged by the sharp stones, causing intense pain.
Illustrates the physical cruelty and suffering inflicted on the horse.