Chapter: 11. The Old Brown Horse
A. Answer these questions.
The horse’s lifestyle changed from being young, trim, and actively trotting through woods and lanes with a fond master, to being old, shaggy, lame, half-blind, and left alone in a field watching motor-cars rush by, with his master now riding in one. The phrase “A horse who has had his day” implies that the horse has lived through his prime, active, and useful period, and is now past that stage, suggesting a decline in his ability and perhaps his perceived value or purpose. The poet likely mentions “motor-cars” to highlight the rapid progression of modern society and technology, which has rendered the horse’s traditional role obsolete, emphasizing the contrast between the slow, old ways (represented by the horse) and the fast, new ways. According to the poem, the best way to interact with the old brown horse is to stop for a moment, offer a friendly word or two, and provide a kind, gentle touch with a hand. When someone offers a “kindly thought,” the horse experiences feelings of comfort, relief, and gratitude. His sigh indicates that it eases his sadness and makes him feel less forgotten. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
And nobody seems to mind, / As they’re dashing past in their motor-cars, / A horse who is lame and half-blind.’
a. “They” refers to the general public or passers-by who are driving by in their motor-cars.
b. “Dashing past” suggests that they are moving very quickly and are preoccupied, indicating a lack of attention, awareness, or concern for the horse.
c. The horse expresses a feeling of neglect, invisibility, and being unappreciated or forgotten. But his master rides in a motor-car, / And it makes him feel quite sad / When he thinks of the days that used to be, / And of all the times they had.
a. The significance of the master riding in a motor-car is that it symbolizes the master’s transition away from relying on the horse, thus leaving the horse redundant and emphasizing the passage of time and technological change that has affected their bond.
b. The horse feels sad when he thinks about the happy days that have passed, specifically remembering the times he spent with his master when they were together and active.
c. In the past, the horse and his master shared a close and active companionship, as the master “was fond of him” and they “used to trot through the woods and lanes” together. C. Think and answer.
To prevent elderly individuals from feeling loneliness, people can take specific actions like: Regular Visits/Calls: Making a conscious effort to visit or call elderly family members, neighbors, or friends regularly. Community Engagement: Volunteering at senior centers, nursing homes, or community programs designed for the elderly. Listening Actively: Spending time listening to their stories, experiences, and thoughts, showing genuine interest. Including Them: Inviting them to family gatherings, community events, or even simple outings like walks in the park. Offering Practical Help: Assisting with tasks they might find difficult, like grocery shopping, errands, or household chores, without making them feel dependent. Encouraging Socialization: Helping them connect with peers through clubs, senior groups, or online communities if they are tech-savvy. Technological advancements often profoundly affect traditional ways of life and the roles of certain animals or professions by making them obsolete, less efficient, or simply replacing them with newer, faster, or more convenient alternatives. Example: The rise of digital photography (a technological advancement) significantly affected the traditional role of film photographers and film development labs. Before digital cameras, people relied on film cameras, and developing photos was a common service. Now, with instant digital images and smartphone cameras, the need for film processing has largely disappeared, leading to the decline of many photo labs and a shift in the skills required for photography. Similarly, the internet and online learning have changed the traditional role of encyclopedias and physical libraries, reducing their primary function as sole sources of information. 
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