1. How does the treatment animals receive affect their behavior? What examples from the story support your answer? Have you personally witnessed evidence that supports this claim?

2. Black Beauty's mother ponders why people choose to hunt on horses for animals they could easily trap, track on foot, or buy on the open market without risking injury or the loss of property.

Does the joy of hunting outweigh these considerations? Is hunting a morally acceptable pursuit? Why or why not?

3. Should people bear the responsibility for stopping animal abuse when they see it? In today's society, what measures can people take?

4. Does the episode about Reuben Smith realistically portray the potential hazards of alcohol abuse? Why or why not?

5. Written over one hundred years ago, Black Beauty portrays women in very traditional roles. What personal and professional advances have women achieved since Sewell's day? How do...