Black Beauty Suffering Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

What I suffered with that rein for four long months in my lady's carriage, it would be hard to describe, but I am quite sure that, had it lasted much longer, either my health or my temper would have given way. (23.12)

Yet more about the evil bearing rein—this thing is just horrible. Beauty goes into great detail about the pain horses go through because of this contraption. And remember, he can't do a freaking thing about it.

Quote #5

"[…] I say 'tis a mockery to tell a man that he must not overwork his horse, for when a beast is downright tired, there's nothing but the whip that will keep his legs a-going... you must put your wife and children before the horse." (39.7)

Seedy Sam is a London cabbie who lives a hard life, and his description of how difficult it is to make a living as a cabbie is both memorable and painful. He's criticized for overworking his horses, but here he explains that he has no choice. In this case, Sam's suffering has an effect on his horses as well: Sam's desperate for money to support his wife and kids, and so he has to keep his horses going even when it's painful for them.

Quote #6

"That is what they are doing, whipping and working with never one thought of what I suffer—they paid for me, and must get it out of me, they say." (40.5)

Ginger's story of suffering is perhaps the most powerful in the book. Sold to a series of owners who mistreat her, at last she ends up as a horse for hire, overworked and in pain. Here, she describes the attitude of her master who treats horses as expendable property that can be used up. Newsflash: Horses aren't disposable, like paper goods.