Chapter: 11. The Old Brown Horse
A. Answer these questions.
Describe the appearance of the horse. The horse is described as old, brown, weary, having a shaggy coat, and being lame and half-blind. Do you think the horse was sad? Support your answer with examples from the poem. Yes, the horse was sad. The poem states he looks “in a weary sort of way,” seems to be saying “nobody seems to mind” him, feels “quite sad / When he thinks of the days that used to be,” and sighs, suggesting a deep feeling. The poet says that the horse ‘thinks of the days that used to be’. Were those days happier for the horse? Give reasons for your answer. Yes, those days were happier. In his youth, the horse was “young and trim” and “used to trot through the woods and lanes / With the man who was fond of him,” indicating a time of activity, companionship, and being valued. What gesture made the horse sigh? Was the horse sad or happy? The horse sighed when a friendly person stopped and offered a “kindly touch” of a hand on his mane or shaggy coat, along with a friendly word. The sigh indicates a feeling of comfort and relief, suggesting he was happy or at least momentarily content despite his overall condition. What message does the poet convey to the reader through this poem? The poet conveys the message that we should show kindness, compassion, and empathy towards those who are old, forgotten, or have outlived their active usefulness, whether they are animals or people. A small gesture of attention or a kind word can bring significant comfort and make them feel valued. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
Well, folks, I’ve had my day-
a. Who said these words? These words are “said” by the old brown horse, through personification.
b. What was the physical condition of the speaker? The speaker (horse) was weary, lame, and half-blind.
c. What did the speaker mean by saying ‘I’ve had my day’? By saying ‘I’ve had my day,’ the horse means that his prime, active, and useful days are over, and he is now old and past his best. Oh, thank you, friend, for the kindly thought
a. Who said this? This is “said” by the old brown horse, through personification.
b. What would be considered a ‘kindly thought’? A ‘kindly thought’ would be stopping by the fence for a word or two, offering a gentle touch of a hand, and showing general attention and care to the old horse.
c. Where was the speaker? What was he looking at? The speaker (horse) was in a field, looking over the fence at passers-by. C. Think and answer.
How do you feel about the condition of the old brown horse? I feel a deep sense of sadness and sympathy for the old brown horse. It’s poignant to imagine an animal that was once vibrant and useful now being old, infirm, and longing for a simple moment of human connection in its lonely existence. The poem describes a horse’s lonely old age, during which all he has are his memories of happier times to look back upon. Do you think the elderly in our cities and towns could feel the same way? Write down why and how you think the situation in which the horse is in this poem could be similar to the life of an elderly person. Yes, the elderly in our cities and towns could absolutely feel the same way. Why: Many elderly individuals experience loneliness, feel overlooked by a rapidly advancing society, and may sense that their active role or importance has diminished. They often find themselves reflecting on their past lives, careers, and family moments. How the situation is similar: Loss of Purpose and Activity: Like the horse who no longer trots through lanes, elderly people might cease working, be unable to pursue past hobbies, or find it difficult to participate in social events due to physical limitations or societal changes. Feeling Forgotten: The horse feels “nobody seems to mind” him as people “dashing past.” Similarly, elderly individuals can feel ignored or isolated as younger generations are busy with their own lives. Reliance on Memories: The horse “thinks of the days that used to be.” Many elderly people often revisit their past, finding comfort or sometimes sadness in memories of their prime years, achievements, and relationships. Value of Small Kindnesses: A friendly word or touch brings the horse comfort. For elderly people, a simple visit, a phone call, a kind conversation, or a small gesture of care can significantly boost their morale and make them feel valued and seen. Physical Decline: Just as the horse becomes “lame and half-blind,” elderly people often face declining health, which can lead to increased dependency and vulnerability, mirroring the horse’s fragile state. 
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