Black Beauty: My Story

Introduction

• Begins with a sense of freedom and mischief.
• Character introduces themselves as a champion, hinting at pride and confidence.

Early Life

• Mother's Influence: Duchess, the mother, emphasizes humility, hard work, and fair play.
• Importance of her wisdom: "True Champions know how to soar and be humble."

Life on the Farm

• Describes living in a meadow owned by Farmer Gray.
• Farmer Gray treated them with love, creating a nurturing home.
• Introduced to lessons: bit, bridle, saddle - initially uncomfortable but grew accustomed over time.
  • Received treats as a positive reinforcement.
• Shoes: Explained as protective, not for dancing.

Transition to New Ownership

• John Manley brings the narrator to Mr. Gordon, who owns a mansion nearby.
• Narrator feels torn about leaving Farmer Gray’s home.
• Gets the name "Black Beauty" from Mr. Gordon.
  • Narrator takes pride in this name.
• Teaming up with Ginger for carriage pulling; builds a relationship with both Ginger and Mary Legs.

New Challenges

• Describes life at Berwick Park: hard work but still had days off.
• Ginger's past is revealed to be difficult due to harsh treatment from previous owners.
• Joyful times turn to sadness as Mr. Gordon's wife falls ill, forcing them to sell the horses.

Moving to Lady W

• Transitioning to a new owner, Lady W, who imposes harsh treatment.
• Introduced to bearing reins that cause pain.
• Ginger rebels against the treatment; narrator feels pain watching Ginger suffer.
• Continues to strive and remember mother's advice.

Hardships and Loss

• Narrator experiences long hours and poor treatment with new owners.
• Struggles through winter with cab driver Jeremy, who shows kindness.
• Encounters Ginger again, who reveals her suffering has led to her death.

Final Journey

• After being sold again, narrator faces relentless demands and harsh treatment.
• Sent to a horse fair, feeling despondent about their future.
• Memories of loved ones (Ginger, Mother, John) provide hope.

Reunion and Redemption

• Recognizes Joe Green, the boy from Berwick Park, now grown up.
• Joe takes narrator home, providing care and kindness.

Conclusion

• Narrator reflects on the duality of human nature: cruelty vs. kindness.
• Advocates for compassion and kindness for all creatures, highlighting the shared feelings of pain and the yearning for compassion.