15 Questions
What was John's occupation?
A coachman
Where did John take the horse during the morning ride?
The common and the Highwood
What did John adjust to fit the horse's head comfortably?
The bridle
What did John use to give the horse a light touch during the gallop?
The whip
What was John's assessment of the horse's ability?
The horse is as fleet as a deer
What did the horse see when he met the traveling cart at the end of the common?
A cart hung with baskets, rugs, and such like
What was the name chosen by the lady and the squire for the horse?
Black Beauty
What did John use to make the horse's mane and tail look like?
A lady's hair
What did the horse and Ginger have in common when pulling the carriage?
They had the same sort of courage at their work
What did the horse learn from John's talks and actions?
What John meant and what he wanted him to do
Who were the favorites of Miss Jessie and Flora?
Merrylegs and Frisky
What was the purpose of the luggage cart?
To carry goods and supplies
What was unique about Sir Oliver?
He was past work now but was still a favorite
Why was Sir Oliver trusted with a child?
Because he was a gentle horse
Which horse was Ginger similar to in terms of intimate relations?
Merrylegs
Study Notes
The Coachman and the Horse
- John Manly is the coachman, living in the coachman's cottage with his wife and child, near the stables.
- John is very particular about fitting the horse with a bridle and saddle, ensuring a comfortable fit.
The Horse's First Ride
- The squire asks John to take the horse on a ride to the common, Highwood, watermill, and river to show its paces.
- John rides the horse slowly, then at a trot and canter, and finally gives it a light touch with the whip, resulting in a splendid gallop.
Encounter with the Squire and Mrs. Gordon
- The horse meets the Squire and Mrs. Gordon while they are walking; John jumps off to talk to them.
- The Squire asks about the horse's performance, and John praises its speed, spirit, and gentle nature.
The Horse's Naming
- The Squire and Mrs. Gordon decide to name the horse Black Beauty, finding it a sensible English name that means something.
- James, the stable boy, is told about the name and thinks it's a good choice.
The Horse's Relationships
- John is very proud of Black Beauty and takes great care of it, making its mane and tail smooth.
- Black Beauty grows fond of John, who is gentle and kind, knowing just how a horse feels.
- The horse also becomes friends with Ginger, a fellow horse, and Merrylegs, a cheerful pony.
- Black Beauty learns to work well with Ginger in double harness, and they have the same sort of courage at their work.
The Stable and Other Horses
- The stable has other horses, including Justice, a roan cob, and Sir Oliver, an old brown hunter.
- Sir Oliver is past work but is a favorite of the master, used for light carting on the estate or carrying young ladies.
Get ready to ride into the world of Black Beauty! Test your knowledge of the first chapter of Anna Sewell's classic novel. From the coachman John Manly to the squire's inspection, see how well you remember the details of this timeless tale.
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