Black Beauty · Chapter
The Sunday Cab explained
Jerry Barker refuses Mr.
What happens
Jerry Barker refuses Mr. Briggs's offer to take a seven-days' license to drive Mrs. Briggs to church on Sundays, valuing his day of rest for himself, his family, and his horses. Polly supports his decision, and Jerry defends the importance of Sunday rest in a debate with fellow cabmen.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Confinement
Jerry's choice to keep a six-days' license represents a stand for personal and animal freedom from the confinement of constant labor.
Kindness and Empathy
Jerry and Polly show empathy for their horses and each other, prioritizing well-being over profit.
Characters to notice
- Jeremiah Barker
Jerry stands firm on his six-days' license, prioritizing rest and family over extra income.
- Polly Barker
Polly passionately supports Jerry's decision, recalling the hardship of their seven-day work past.
- Black Beauty
Beauty is Jerry's horse, referred to as 'Jack' in the chapter, and benefits from the Sunday rest.
Key passages
“I read that God made man, and he made horses and all the other beasts, and as soon as He had made them He made a day of rest, and bade that all should rest one day in seven; and I think, sir, He must have known what was good for them, and I am sure it is good for me”
Jerry argues that God ordained a day of rest for all creatures, and he personally benefits from it.
Jerry uses religious reasoning to justify his refusal of Sunday work.
“If a man gives way to his temper, and speaks evil of his neighbor, and does not pay his debts, he is not religious, I don't care how much he goes to church.”
Jerry contends that true religion is shown by one's actions, not merely by attending church.
Jerry defends the value of genuine religious practice against accusations of hypocrisy.