Black Beauty · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.

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Chapter 1
I: My Early Home
Black Beauty recalls his early life in a pleasant meadow, living with his mother Duchess and other colts. His mother teaches him good manners and warns him against bad behavior. Their master is kind, and a plowboy named Dick is dismissed for tormenting the colts.
Chapter 2
The Hunt
Black Beauty recalls a hunt he witnessed as a young colt. The hounds chase and kill a hare, but the hunt ends in tragedy when two horses fall, one fatally breaking his leg and being shot, and the rider, young George Gordon, dies from a broken neck. Beauty's mother reflects on the senselessness of the sport.
Chapter 3
My Breaking In
Black Beauty describes his physical development and the process of being broken in by his master, who ensures he is not frightened or hurt. He learns to wear a bit, bridle, saddle, and harness, and is gradually accustomed to carrying a rider and pulling a cart. His master also sends him to a neighboring farm to become desensitized to trains. Black Beauty's mother advises him to always do his best and maintain a good name, warning him about the different kinds of men he may encounter.
Chapter 4
Birtwick Park
Black Beauty is taken from his first home to Squire Gordon's estate at Birtwick Park, where he is placed in a comfortable loose box. He meets Merrylegs, a friendly gray pony, and Ginger, a chestnut mare with a biting habit. Merrylegs explains that Ginger's bad temper stems from past ill-treatment, and reassures Beauty that Birtwick Park is a kind and good home.
Chapter 5
A Fair Start
Black Beauty is introduced to his new home at Birtwick Park, where he meets John Manly, James Howard, and the other horses. He is given the name 'Black Beauty' by Squire Gordon and his wife, and he learns that Rob Roy, who died in the hunt, was his brother.

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I: My Early Home

The Hunt

My Breaking In

Birtwick Park

A Fair Start