Black Beauty

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Reading Check

1. Duchess (Chapter 1)

2. They are brothers. (Chapter 5)

Short-Answer Response

1. The exposure to the steam engine helps him to feel more confident and prevents him from being afraid when he encounters trains later in life. (Chapter 3)

2. Ginger becomes much calmer, friendlier, and more easy-going. She responds well to the kindness she receives from John and James. (Chapter 8)

Part 1, Chapters 11-21

Reading Check

1. Joe Green (Chapter 17)

2. Dick Towler (Chapter 16)

3. The doctor’s horse is not available, so Beauty must carry the doctor back to the house instead of being able to rest. (Chapter 18)

Short-Answer Response

1. Joe causes harm to Black Beauty because he does not know how to take care of him properly when Beauty comes home from galloping to the doctor’s house. Joe has good intentions and does not mean to cause Beauty any harm. (Chapter 18)

2. Because Squire Gordon and his family are leaving England, all of the horses are sold off and have to go to new homes. This makes all of the horses very sad, which shows they loved and were loyal to their master. (Chapter 21)

Part 2, Chapters 22-31

Reading Check

1. Colonel Blantyre (Chapter 24)

2. He hits his head after being thrown when Beauty stumbles and falls. (Chapters 25-26)

Short-Answer Response

1. Black Beauty is sent away from Earlshall because he has unsightly scars on his knees after his accident. This decision shows that the Earl is superficial and cares more about maintaining appearances than taking care of a good horse. (Chapter 27)

2. Black Beauty struggles because he is often rented out to inexperienced and poorly skilled drivers. His struggles do not matter because his owners just want to make a profit and will rent him to anyone who is willing to pay. (Chapters 28-29)

Part 3, Chapters 32-41

Reading Check

1. Harry and Dolly (Chapter 33)

2. Seedy Sam dies raving about how he never had a Sunday off. (Chapter 39)

Short-Answer Response

3. Jerry values having a day to spend quality time with his family. He also believes that a day of rest protects his health and the health of his horses. (Various chapters)

4. Students might mention Jerry taking the anxious young man to the station and refusing to accept an extra fare (Chapter 35) or driving Dinah to see her dying mother (Chapter 37). These actions reveal that Jerry is not only kind but also flexible and willing to take context into account when making ethical decisions.

Part 3, Chapters 42-45 & Part 4 Chapters 46-49

Reading Check

1. To live in the country on the estate of Polly’s former employer (Chapter 45)

2. Joe Green (Chapter 49)

Short-Answer Response

1. Jerry’s history of having an alcohol addiction reveals that it is possible for characters to reform and change themselves. Jerry was able to get sober because of the love and support of his family. (Chapter 44)

2. Black Beauty is very happy in his final home because he is treated with great care and kindness. He does not have to work very hard, and he can enjoy the beautiful countryside around him. (Chapter 49)