Chapter: 11. The Old Brown Horse
A. Answer these questions.
What is the horse’s main activity in its old age, as described in the first stanza? How does the horse feel about his master riding in a motor-car instead of with him? What specific part of the horse’s body is mentioned resting on the fence bar? What does the poet want the reader to understand about the horse’s past? What is the impact of a “kindly touch” on the old brown horse? B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
‘Well, folks, I’ve had my day-’
a. What type of “day” is the horse referring to?
b. What does the horse imply about his current role or usefulness?
c. How does this line contribute to the poem’s overall mood? “Then the old brown horse gives a little sigh / As he feels the kindly touch”
a. What causes the horse to sigh?
b. Is this sigh a sign of sadness or relief? Explain.
c. What does this reveal about the horse’s longing? C. Think and answer.
The poem uses personification to make the horse’s feelings clear. If the horse could truly speak, what do you imagine would be its most urgent message to the world? The poem highlights the contrast between the horse’s past and present. Think about something (an object, a place, or even a tradition) in your own life or community that has changed significantly over time. Describe its past and present, and reflect on how you feel about that change. 
Practice Paper