Black Beauty — Comprehension Quiz

Based on Chapters 1–3: "My Early Home," "The Hunt," and "My Breaking In"

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. What does the young horse live on before he is old enough to eat grass?
A. Oats and hay
B. His mother's milk
C. Carrots and bread
D. Fresh clover

2. What is the young horse's mother's name?
A. Ginger
B. Merrylegs
C. Duchess
D. Beauty

3. What nickname does the master give the young colt because of his color?
A. Blackie
B. Star
C. Darkie
D. Midnight

4. Why does the master fire Dick, the plowboy?
A. He stole apples from the orchard
B. He threw stones and sticks at the colts for fun
C. He let the gate open
D. He rode the colts without permission

5. During the hunt, what happens to the hare?
A. She escapes into the woods
B. She hides in the brook
C. The dogs catch and kill her
D. The huntsmen save her

6. What happens to the horse named Rob Roy during the hunt?
A. He wins the race
B. He breaks his leg and is shot
C. He runs away and is never found
D. He carries the injured rider home

7. Who is the young rider that dies from his injuries after falling during the hunt?
A. Squire Gordon
B. Old Daniel
C. George Gordon
D. Mr. Bond

8. According to the story, what is "breaking in"?
A. Teaching a horse to fight other horses
B. Teaching a horse to wear a saddle, bridle, and other gear, and obey a driver
C. Training a horse to race competitively
D. Teaching a horse to graze without supervision

Short-Answer Questions

9. What advice does the mother horse (Duchess) give her son at the beginning of the story? Describe at least two things she tells him.

10. Explain why the mother horse says she doesn't understand why men enjoy hunting, even though "we are only horses, and don't know." What reasons does she give?

11. Describe what happens after young George Gordon dies. What do the colts see pass by their field?

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Answer Key

1. B — His mother's milk
2. C — Duchess
3. C — Darkie
4. B — He threw stones and sticks at the colts for fun
5. C — The dogs catch and kill her
6. B — He breaks his leg and is shot
7. C — George Gordon
8. B — Teaching a horse to wear a saddle, bridle, and other gear, and obey a driver

1. Sample answer: She tells him to grow up gentle and good, never learn bad ways, do his work with a good will, lift his feet up well when trotting, and never bite or kick even in play. She also reminds him that he comes from good breeding — his father, grandfather, and grandmother were well-regarded.

1. Sample answer: She says men often hurt themselves, spoil good horses, and tear up the fields, all just to chase a hare, fox, or stag — animals they could catch more easily another way. She feels it doesn't make sense, but admits horses don't fully understand human reasons.

1. Sample answer: The colts hear the church-bell tolling for a long time, and see a long, strange black coach covered in black cloth, drawn by black horses, followed by several more black coaches. They realize the horses are carrying young George Gordon to the churchyard to be buried.