Black Beauty by Anna Sewell follows the life of a horse named Black Beauty in 19th-century England. Narrated in the first person, the story begins with Beauty's happy early life and training, moves through his time with a kind owner named Squire Gordon, and details his subsequent hardships and changing owners, reflecting themes of kindness, responsibility, and animal welfare. The novel addresses themes including alcohol abuse, animal cruelty, and the impacts of industrialization.

Anna Sewell's Black Beauty is celebrated for its enduring themes of animal welfare and empathy, touching readers across generations. Readers praise its evocative narrative and poignant portrayal of cruelty and kindness. However, some modern readers find its moralistic tone dated. Overall, it's a timeless, impactful read that continues to resonate with audiences.

A reader who would enjoy Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is typically fond of classic literature, animal stories, and poignant tales of compassion and empathy. Similar to fans of Anna Sewell, those who cherish works like Charlotte's Web by E.B. White or Old Yeller by Fred Gipson would likely find Black Beauty captivating.

Heartwarming / Inspirational / Melancholic / Contemplative

- Black Beauty was Anna Sewell's only novel, and she wrote it during the last years of her life when her health was declining; it was published in 1877, just five months before her death.
- Sewell intended Black Beauty to promote animal welfare and empathy towards horses, reflecting her deep concern for animal treatment, which was quite progressive for the Victorian era.
- The book is considered one of the first novel-length pieces to be written from an animal's perspective, offering readers a unique viewpoint on the life and struggles of a horse.

Anna Sewell

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Black Beauty reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Black Beauty | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Black Beauty and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Black Beauty Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Black Beauty Part 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-21

Black Beauty Part 1, Chapters 11-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-31

Black Beauty Part 2, Chapters 22-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 32-41

Black Beauty Part 3, Chapters 32-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 42-45 & Part 4, Chapters 46-49

Black Beauty Part 3, Chapters 42-45 & Part 4, Chapters 46-49 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Black Beauty Character Analysis

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Themes

Black Beauty Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Black Beauty Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Black Beauty Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Black Beauty Essay Topics

Black Beauty Teaching Unit

Introduction

Black Beauty Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Black Beauty Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Black Beauty Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Black Beauty Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Black Beauty Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Black Beauty Activities

Essay Questions

Black Beauty Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Black Beauty Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Black Beauty Exam Answer Key

Black Beauty

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Black Beauty?

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Book Details