# The Sunday Cab explained — Black Beauty

> Chapter companion for Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se/chapters/part-iii-xxxvi-the-sunday-cab
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/black_beauty_se/chapters