Discussion Topic
Negative traits and characters in Black Beauty
Summary:
Negative traits and characters in Black Beauty include cruelty and neglect towards horses. Examples include Skinner, who overworks his horses, and Nicholas Skinner, who is notorious for his brutal treatment. These characters embody the harsh realities and mistreatment that horses like Black Beauty endure, highlighting the need for compassion and humane treatment of animals.
What are Black Beauty's negative traits in Black Beauty?
Black Beauty's only real negative trait in Anna Sewell's
story is his naivete. His naivete makes it difficult for him to accept what
becomes of him as the story progresses. But, regardless, throughout all his
tribulations, he remains the well-bred horse his mother taught
him to be.
Prior to being sold for the first time, his mother warns him
that there are all kinds of men in the world:
[T]here are good thoughtful men like our master, that any horse may be proud to serve; and there are bad, cruel men, who never ought to have a horse or dog to call their own. (Ch. 3, Pt. 1)
She further warns him that the more he works his hardest and is well-behaved, the more likely he will be treated well. Having been raised and broken in by gentle Farmer Grey, the news of bad men is a bit
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She further warns him that the more he works his hardest and is well-behaved, the more likely he will be treated well. Having been raised and broken in by gentle Farmer Grey, the news of bad men is a bitdifficult
for young, naive Black Beauty to get his head around.
Yet, as the story progresses, he learns more about the nature of men as he is
passed on from master to master, some good and caring, others foolish and
cruel.
In addition to being warned about the nature of men, when he was still a young
colt, his mother explains to him that he comes from a line of well-bred horses
and he must "never bite or kick even in play," must work hard, and always be
gentle and good (Ch. 1, Pt. 1). Due to his mother's wisdom, while his naivete
makes it difficult for him to tolerate the hardships he endures, he always
maintains his integrity. He is always caring, gentle, and
hardworking. He is even nonjudgmental. He accepts the cruelty of men with
sorrow rather than angry bitterness. He is even nonjudgmental
of the poor natures of other horses he meets, such as Ginger's biting nature
and Hotspur's spiritedness. By the end of the story, once he is happily back
under the care of his best groom, he feels enlightened about
the ways of the world due to the life's journey he has traversed and the
hardships he has endured.