1. How does the treatment of animals impact their behavior? What examples from the story illustrate your point? Have you personally observed any evidence that supports this assertion?

2. Black Beauty's mother wonders why people choose to hunt on horseback for animals they could easily trap, track on foot, or purchase in the market without risking injury or property loss. Does the excitement of hunting outweigh these risks? Is hunting a morally acceptable activity? Why or why not?

3. Should individuals take responsibility for stopping animal abuse when they witness it? In today's society, what actions can people take?

4. Does the episode involving Reuben Smith realistically depict the potential dangers of alcohol abuse? Why or why not?

5. Written over a century ago, Black Beauty depicts women in very traditional roles. What personal and professional advancements have women achieved since Sewell's time? How do you think Sewell would have felt about the women's movement?

6. Captain admits he cannot understand the logic behind humans engaging in warfare, and Black Beauty's mother asserts that people hunt for reasons beyond a horse's comprehension. What point is Sewell making with the horses' confusion? Is this technique effective?

7. Jerry Barker declines an easy, regular Sunday job, stating that he does not believe in working on Sundays. Yet, he drives someone to the country on a Sunday. Is he simply being inconsistent and hypocritical, or does he have a valid reason for taking that particular Sunday job? If he has a valid reason, what is it?

8. Identify some characters whose names reflect their behavior. How do their names align with their personalities?