Black Beauty Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

I hope you will fall into good hands, but a horse never knows who may buy him, or who may drive him. (3.13)

As a young horse, Beauty's made aware early in his life that he has no control over his own fate. How to live a good life even though he's powerless over his own future is one of the important lessons his mother teaches him.

Quote #2

It seems that horses have no relations; at least, they never know each other after they are sold. (5.20)

Here's a particularly poignant (and upsetting) thought: Because horses are essentially slaves and have no power over where they live, they are often separated from their relatives at very young ages and never see them again. This is the case with Beauty, who leaves his mother after a few years and is never reunited with her.

Quote #3

We horses must take things as they come, and always be contented and willing so long as we are kindly used. (10.2)

When he explains how great it is to have a rider who uses a light touch on the reins, Beauty adds this little aside, reminding us that horses really don't have any power at all. It's a strong reminder to humans to be careful with animals because many animals are powerless in comparison.