Through the eyes of Black Beauty we are given different sides of the relationship between horse and men. From his mother’s perspectives it is up to the horse to decide how the relationship between the two will work out. “She told me the better I behaved, the better I should be treated, and that it was wisest always to do my best to please my master” (pg 13, ch 3). This interpretation of the relationship gives power to the horse who decides his own path but it also doesn’t account for the humans treatment of the animal and the effects that they might have on the horses behavior. “…there are a great many kinds of men; there are good, thoughtful men like our master, bad, cruel men, who never ought to have a horse or dog to call their own” (pg 13, ch 3). This perspective is given by Beauty’s mom, Ginger, Merrylegs, and Sir Oliver. While Black Beauty thinks nothing nut the best of his original master saying that “he spoke as kindly to us as he did to his little children” (pg 4, ch1) he also sees their ignorant side when he sees their hunt of a hare. His mom’s interpretation of the situation puts into perspective the ignorance of man and disregard of everything. “I never yet could make out why men are so fond of this sport; they often hurt themselves, often spoil good horses, and tear up the fields, and all for a hare or fox, or a stag, that they could get more easily some other way; but we are only horses and don’t know” (8, Ch 2) She can’t put the pieces together to get a clear picture of what men are and why they do some things and blames her differences for the confusion. Upon arriving at his new home he again was treated kindly and had his care taker talk to him a “great deal; of course I did not understand all he said, but I learned more and more to know what he meant, and what he wanted me to do” (pg 20, ch 4). He seems to be blessed in being treated fairly well but is able to see the harm that humans can do through the stories of his new friends.
Ginger shares the story of her upbringing. She states that “the first experience I had of men’s kindness; it was all force; they did not give me a chance to know what they wanted” (pg 25, ch 7). From her earliest encounters she’s learned to see men as her enemies and has carried this into her actions when interacting with men. She also shares that men realize that if a horse does wrong it is only the fault of the care taker’s, as an old owner of hers said “ ‘a bad-tempered man will never make a good-tempered horse’” (pg 27, ch 7). Sir Oliver also shares his past experiences to show that not all humans are good, in his case his tail was cut off as a fashion statement. This caused Sir Oliver to be unable to swat the flies on his legs and sides.
He also shares that the same thing happens to puppies that get their tails and ears cut as part of a fashion style to make them appear nicer. He asks why don’t do that to their own kids? “What right have they to torment and disfigure God’s creatures?” (pg 39 ch 10) Merrylegs talks about the gender differences in humanity stating that boys like horses need to be broken in and taught right from wrong. This reflects the similarities and almost a battle over power of who should be training and be trained. Throughout I feel that all the characters realize the importance of balance within the relationship in order for be one that continues to work for both parties involved for the most part.
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