Black Beauty · Chapter
Jerry's New Year explained
During the harsh Christmas and New Year season, Jerry Barker works late into the night despite a worsening cough.
What happens
During the harsh Christmas and New Year season, Jerry Barker works late into the night despite a worsening cough. After a long, cold wait for card players, he returns home gravely ill with bronchitis. While he recovers, Governor Grant helps by exercising Hotspur. A letter from Mrs. Fowler offers the family a cottage and a new job in the country, leading to the sale of the cab and horses. Black Beauty is sold to a new place, marking a bittersweet farewell.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness and Empathy
Governor Grant's offer to exercise Hotspur and share earnings shows practical kindness. Polly's care for Jerry and the children's concern highlight family empathy.
Social Class and Exploitation
The wealthy card players keep Jerry waiting for hours without apology or extra compensation, illustrating the exploitation of working-class cabmen.
Freedom vs. Confinement
Jerry's illness forces him to leave cab work, but the offer from Mrs. Fowler promises a freer, healthier life in the country.
Characters to notice
- Black Beauty
Narrates the chapter; endures cold and late work, and is sold after Jerry's illness.
- Jeremiah Barker
Falls dangerously ill with bronchitis after a late New Year's Eve job; must give up cab work.
- Polly Barker
Nurses Jerry; writes to Mrs. Fowler and arranges the move to the country.
- Harry Barker
Cares for the horses during Jerry's illness; receives help from Governor Grant.
- Dolly Barker
Brings news of Mrs. Fowler's letter; bids farewell to Black Beauty.
- Hotspur
Jerry's other horse; exercised by Governor Grant and later sold to him.
Key passages
“I wonder if the beautiful ladies ever think of the weary cabman waiting on his box, and his patient beast standing, till his legs get stiff with cold.”
Black Beauty questions whether the wealthy partygoers ever consider the suffering of the cab driver and horse waiting outside in the cold.
Highlights the theme of social class and exploitation.
“When the men got out they never said they were sorry to have kept us waiting so long, but were angry at the charge; however, as Jerry never charged more than was his due, so he never took less, and they had to pay for the two hours and a quarter waiting; but it was hard-earned money to Jerry.”
The gentlemen showed no remorse for the long delay and complained about the fare, but Jerry insisted on fair payment for the difficult wait.
Illustrates the lack of empathy from the upper classes toward working people.
“The doctor said that he must never go back to the cab work again if he wished to be an old man.”
The doctor advised Jerry to quit cab driving permanently to preserve his health and longevity.
Marks a turning point in Jerry's life and leads to the family's move to the country.