Black Beauty
So back we went and round by the crossroads, but by the time we got to the bridge it was very nearly dark; we could just see that the water was over the middle of it; but as that happened sometimes when the floods were out, master did not stop. We were going along at a good pace, but the moment my feet touched the first part of the bridge I felt sure there was something wrong. I dare not go forward, and I made a dead stop. “Go on, Beauty,” said my master, and he gave me a touch with the whip, but I dare not stir; he gave me a sharp cut; I jumped, but I dare not go forward.
“There's something wrong, sir,” said John, and he sprang out of the dog-cart and came to my head and looked all about. He tried to lead me forward. “Come on, Beauty, what's the matter?” Of course I could not tell him, but I knew very well that the bridge was not safe.
Just then the man at the toll-gate on the other side ran out of the house, tossing a torch about like one mad.
“Hoy, hoy, hoy! halloo! stop!” he cried.
“What's the matter?” shouted my master.
“The bridge is broken in the middle, and part of it is carried away; if you come on you'll be into the river.”
Explain the crucial role Black Beauty plays in this scene. What significant danger does his action prevent, and what does this incident suggest about the importance of trusting animal instinct?
💡 Writing Tips
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Focus on the cause-and-effect relationship in the passage. What happens because Beauty stops? What would have happened if he hadn't? Consider the information that Beauty has (that the bridge is not safe) and the information the humans lack. How does this highlight the theme of animal intelligence?
📝 Sample Answer
Black Beauty plays a critically heroic role in this scene. Despite his master's commands and whip, his powerful instinct to stop prevents them from crossing the broken bridge. This action prevents the significant danger of the dog-cart, the master, John, and Beauty himself from falling into the raging river, where they would most likely have drowned. The incident profoundly suggests the immense importance of trusting animal instinct. While humans may rely on reason and observation (which failed them here due to darkness and the familiar sight of high water), animals possess a raw, immediate 'knowledge' of danger that can often be more reliable and prompt, ultimately saving lives.
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