Black Beauty · Chapter
A London Cab Horse explained
Black Beauty describes his new life with Jeremiah Barker, a kind cab driver, and his happy family.
What happens
Black Beauty describes his new life with Jeremiah Barker, a kind cab driver, and his happy family. He is renamed Jack and becomes a cab horse in London, where he learns to trust Jerry's gentle driving and enjoys good care, including rest on Sundays. He also meets the old horse Captain, who shares his history as a war horse.
Themes in this chapter
Kindness and Empathy
Jerry Barker's gentle treatment of his horses, including no checkrein or curb, and allowing them to rest on Sundays, exemplifies kindness.
Animal Welfare and Cruelty
The chapter contrasts Jerry's humane care with common practices like checkreins and inadequate water, highlighting proper horse welfare.
Freedom vs. Confinement
The horses are given freedom to move in their stalls with movable bars, and Sundays off for rest, showing a balance between work and liberty.
Characters to notice
- Jeremiah Barker
Black Beauty's new master, a kind and careful cab driver who treats his horses well.
- Polly Barker
Jerry's wife, a plump, tidy woman who brings Black Beauty an apple and shows affection.
- Harry Barker
Jerry's twelve-year-old son, who helps with the horses and thinks Black Beauty is a 'regular brick.'
- Dolly Barker
Jerry's eight-year-old daughter, who brings Black Beauty bread and pets him.
- Captain
Jerry's other horse, an old white war horse who served in the Crimean War.
- Mr. Grant
A jolly, gray-coated cab driver known as Gray Grant or Governor Grant, who vouches for Black Beauty's quality.
Key passages
“I never knew such a happy, merry family before or since.”
Black Beauty had never encountered a family as joyful and harmonious as the Barkers.
Highlights the warmth of Jerry's household.
“There was no checkrein, no curb, nothing but a plain ring snaffle. What a blessing that was!”
The harness had no painful restraints, only a simple bit, which Beauty greatly appreciated.
Emphasizes the humane equipment used by Jerry.
“He took as much thought for his horses as he did for himself.”
Jerry cared for his horses with the same consideration he gave to his own needs.
Illustrates Jerry's selfless and responsible character.