The Portent · Chapter
Old Constancy explained
The narrator rides to visit his old acquaintance, but is delayed by the beauty of the landscape and his own nostalgic reverie.
What happens
The narrator rides to visit his old acquaintance, but is delayed by the beauty of the landscape and his own nostalgic reverie. A sudden storm and a lightning bolt cause his horse, Old Constancy, to rear and fall, killing the horse and injuring the narrator. He is rescued by his farmer friend and taken to the farm, where he recovers, mourning the loss of his faithful companion.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Highland Landscape
The chapter opens with a vivid description of the hills, harebells, and wild roses, and the storm that causes the accident.
Memory and the Past
The narrator is lost in a dream of the past, singing a song of longing, as he rides.
Isolation and Connection
The narrator's bond with his horse is emphasized, and the accident leaves him isolated until rescued by his friend.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Rides to visit a friend, sings a song of longing, and survives a fall from his horse.
- Old Constancy
The narrator's faithful horse, who is killed in the accident.
- Farmer Friend
The narrator's host, who rescues him after the accident.
Key passages
“The fog cleared off; and, as the hills began to throw long, lazy shadows, their only embraces across the wide valleys, I mounted and set out on the ride of a few miles which should bring me to my old acquaintance’s dwelling.”
As the fog lifted and the hills cast long shadows, I mounted my horse and began the short ride to my friend's house.
Sets the scene for the journey.
“I was roused by a heavy drop of rain upon my face. I looked up. A cool wave of wind flowed against me. Clouds had gathered; and over the peak of a hill to the left, the sky was very black.”
A raindrop on my face brought me back to reality, and I saw that a storm was approaching.
The storm signals danger.
“I needed all my manhood to keep from crying like a child; for my charger was my friend.”
I had to fight back tears because my horse was more than just an animal; he was my friend.
Shows the deep bond between the narrator and his horse.