Human-Animal Relationships in The Horses Tale by Mark Twain - Book Report/Review Example

 Human-Animal Relationships in The Horse’s Tale by Mark Twain Introduction It is interesting how the author manages to use different narrators throughout the story to develop the plot and other themes in the story. The story is a good piece to illustrate the relations that might exist between humans and animals. The author uses both animal and human narrators to clarify the message to be delivered. Several instances in the story illustrate the relationships between humans, horses and even dogs. The fact that the authors alternates between human and animal characters in the book makes it an excellent piece to study when analysis human-animal interrelationships. Various chapters in the book illustrate different forms and aspects of human-animal interrelationships. Chapter 1 The chapter starts by Soldier boy introducing himself as the favorite horse for Buffalo Bill (Cody) and boasts about his pedigree, strength and speed as a scout horse. Soldier boy is at Fort Paxton just after arriving from a 40-day scouting expedition. Everyone at the fort is awaiting the arrival of the orphaned niece of its commander, Brigadier General Thomas Alison (Mark 10). A strong bond exists between Buffalo Bull and his horse, Soldier Boy. As the horse narrates he, was Bill’s favorite. While in scouting missions, they rode together for several miles. The horse even acknowledges that Buffalo taught him how to drag wounded soldiers out of line of fire. The relationship between Soldier Boy and Bill was both companionship and friendship. Chapter 2 The Spanish sister-in-law of the general’s deceased brother, Mercedes, writes to Alison from France. She explains that Catherine’s parents wanted her to go him because he is in bad health and is also about to retire. In the writing, Mercedes explains that Cathy has a good mind and is good hearted. She also explains that Cathy has a sense of justice and loves animals. Humans can develop a strong love towards animals. As Mercedes writes, Cathy loves animals to the extent that she refers to them as her worship. She says that Cathy shows little cruelty and oppression towards animals. Showing no form of cruelty and oppression to animals is the best relationship people should have with animals. The author uses Cathy to communicate to his audience of the importance of showing care and kindness towards animals. Chapter 3 In chapter three, General Alison informs his mother in San Bernardino, California, of the arrival of Cathy. Cathy has conquered everyone including both the soldiers and Indians with her good heart and winning ways. She is loved by the Indians to the extent that they have nicknamed her “firebug”. In his writing, the general describes Cathy’s first meeting with Buffalo Bill and Soldier Boy. The human-animal relationship that was evident in this chapter was when Cathy met Soldier Boy. The two loved and understood each other. Cathy loved the horse from the first day she saw him. Chapter 4 Cathy writes to her aunt Mercedes about her wonderful life at the fort. In her writing, Cathy explains that she loves the plains, animals, and the Indians. She also explains how Buffalo Bill took her on a ride on Soldier Boy to other camps belonging to Chief Thunder-bird and Chief White Cloud. Cathy is very excited about learning to ride a horse and shoot a bow. Human-animal relationships can be very exciting. Riding a horse can be an exciting experience especially if the horse and the learner and in harmony with each other. Ti was easy for Cathy to learn riding because she was in good terms with Soldier Boy Chapter 5 Cathy has gained popularity in the fort to the extent that Alison writes to Mercedes about Cathy’s great popularity. Cathy is loved by both the Seventh Cavalry and the Ninth Dragons. They have even made her an officer. Despite being loved by adults, Cathy has a soft spot among the children too. Training under Buffalo Bill, Cathy has become an excellent rider. Alison’s mother sent Mammy Dorcas to help take care of Cathy. However, despite Dorcas being a servant who has been with the family for long, she is already having a strong relationship with Cathy. The relationship between Cathy and Dorcas was like a mother and daughter relationship. There was less emphasis on the role of animals in developing the story in this chapter. However, the author dwelt more on the relationship between Cathy and Dorothy. Chapter 6 Soldier Boy meets another horse named Mongrel. Mongrel is Mexican plug and property of a horse thief named Hank Butters, partner to Blake Haskins. The plug is familiar with Soldier Boy’s reputation and the claim of his descent from fossils and likes him. On the other hand, soldier boy also boasts of Cathy’s riding skills. He mentions that Cathy refused to ride him in a steeplechase to give allow other children to win. It is also clear in this chapter that Cathy is the only person who has ridden Soldier Boy for more than two months. Cathy is training her own Army unit called the “16th “or “1st Battalion Rocky Mountain Rangers.” The battalion already elected Cathy to be their lieutenant general and bugler. In this chapter, Soldier Boy also talks about the cavalry’s dog Shekels. As opposed to human loving animals, animals can also reciprocate the love. From Soldier Boy’s talks to Mongrel, it is clear that he loves Cathy and would always want Cathy to ride him. The Horse gives Cathy a lot of praises. Such praises can only be channeled to a loved one Chapter 7 Soldier Boys tells the Shekels about the Mexican plug, Mongrel. In this chapter, Mongrel overheard the other horse thieves planning to get Buffalo Bill. The author still emphasizes on the friendship between two horses and between Soldier Boy and the Dog. There is no clear aspect of this chapter that touches on the relationship between human and animals Chapter 8 Buffalo acknowledges the success of Cathy’s army unit, the rangers and compliments her. In return, Cathy offers to have his unit serve as Bill’s guard of honor when he goes to Fort Clayton Chapter 9 Soldier Boy tells the Shekels how he rescued Cathy from the wolves. After Cathy had escorted Buffalo Bill to Fort Clayton, she came to realize that he had been shot in an ambush and immediately rode to his rescue. Along the way she fell asleep, fell and broke her arm. Interestingly, Soldier Boy stood by her side throughout the night fighting off hungry wolves. When Buffalo Bill arrived the next morning on a litter pulled by Mongrel and another horse that they got from the scout Thorndike, he was delighted by the number of wolves Soldier Boy had killed. Buffalo Bill was appreciative and gave the horse to Cathy in return for a kiss (Mark 98). Emphasis on a strong positive relationship and friendship between animals and humans is portrayed in this chapter. The horse stood and by Cathy and protected her from the wolves. Animals can also make huge sacrifices for humans. The horse could not betray their friendship by leaving Cathy alone when she needed her the most. Chapter 10 While Cathy convalesces, Dorcas was busy telling Alison that Cathy is very busy and having too much company while supervising her army unit. Dorcas also tires to persuade Alison that Animals can talk to each other citing an example of the Shekels. Dorcas even says that Cathy wants the general to represent her at the court martial. However, the general denies these allegations and insists on waiting for Cathy to be well to preside herself. Chapter 11 Thorndike-who now rides Mongrel – talks to Antonio and reminds him about Spain and the bullfighting that he is convinced that is the greatest sport. Human animal interrelationship can be very cruel. The author uses bullfighting to illustrate how humans can be cruel and oppressive towards animals. In the book, bullfighting is cruel to animals. Ironically human love it, and as Thorndike agrees, it is the best sport Chapter 12 In this chapter, two horses, Mongrel and Sage Brush discuss man’s cruelty to dumb animals. The discussion is based on bullfighting that they both wonder whether it is religious. From animals’ point of view, humans can be very cruel and oppressive. The two horses in this chapter discuss how humans can be cruel to animals. The use of animals to discuss human cruelty towards animals further adds value to the idea that animals feel bad when treated with cruelty and oppression. Therefore, the author is communicating that cruelty to animals is bad. Chapter 13 Cathy, Dorcas and Soldier were all taken to Spain by General Alison. When describing their travel to his mother, General Alison explains that Cathy has decided to stay with her aunt Mercedes. Alison is also not sure if they will return to their home because when Cathy left the post she was given a proper military send-off. In this chapter, Alison mentions that Soldier Boy was stolen the previous night. Chapter 14 Soldier boy talks to himself and wonders how he has travelled almost constantly since being stolen five or six months ago and has worn down. Soldier Boy has changed hands several times each time moving to a lower level master. Now tired and worn-out, all he thinks of and wants is seeing Cathy again. Chapters 13 and 14 also have some elements of animal-human relationships. The fact that Cathy is still travelling around the world looking for his horse show the level of friendship and love between the two. Relationships between animals and humans can be very cruel. After being stolen, Soldier Boy travels without being given rest. No one even bother about the health of the horse. Such is the level of cruelty of humans towards animals. Chapter 15 General Alison writes to Mrs. Drake, the wife of the Seventh Cavalry colonel reporting that Cathy has been tirelessly looking for her horse. He further reports how a bull ripped open a horse in the ring. When Cathy rushed into the ring shouting and crying for help for the horse she too, is fatally injured. Cathy is carried unconsciously to her home where she dies afterwards. More emphasis on the friendship and love between animals and humans is illustrated in the last chapter. Cathy risks her life in order to save the horse. To Cathy, Soldier Boy was not only a friend but also a companion Conclusion Various aspects of the book reveal components of animal-human interrelationships. Two forms of relationships are evident in the book. A good and friendly relationship is illustrated between Cathy and Soldier. The two make sacrifices for one another. The horses risked his life to protect Cathy by fighting the Wolves will Cathy sacrificed while trying to save a horse from the bull in the ring. Another form of relationship is a negative relationship between humans and animals filled with cruelty and oppression. Some people have no sense of kindness and love towards animals. Cruelty is illustrated when Soldier Boy remembers when he was stolen. The thieves were cruel and did not give the horse a chance to rest. Work Cited Mark, Twain. A Horse's tale. Harvard: Harper & Brothers, 1906. Read More