Chapter: 11. The Old Brown Horse
A. Answer these questions.
How does the poet describe the change in the horse’s lifestyle from its youth to old age? What does the phrase “A horse who has had his day” imply about the horse’s current situation and past? Why do you think the poet specifically mentions “motor-cars” in contrast to the horse? According to the poem, what is the best way to interact with the old brown horse? What emotions do you think the horse experiences when someone offers a “kindly thought”? 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. Who are “they” mentioned in the lines?
b. What does “dashing past” suggest about their attitude or speed?
c. What feeling does the horse express through these lines? 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. What is the significance of the master riding in a motor-car?
b. What specifically causes the horse to feel sad?
c. What kind of relationship did the horse and his master share in the past? C. Think and answer.
The poem focuses on the loneliness of the old brown horse. What are some specific actions people can take in their daily lives to prevent elderly individuals in their community from feeling this same loneliness? Consider the change in transportation from horses to motor-cars mentioned in the poem. How do technological advancements, in general, affect traditional ways of life or the roles of certain animals/professions? Give an example from your own observations or knowledge. 
Comprehension