Black Beauty: Setting 1 key example

However, despite the vital role horses played in Victorian society, their welfare often left much to be desired. Animals lacked the legal protections that are more common today. There were no stringent laws in place to protect them from cruelty, leading to widespread mistreatment and hardship for many horses. Some people treated their animals with kindness, but—as the novel describes—many horses were treated like machines to be used until they broke down. The period when Sewell was writing also marked the beginning of significant technological advancements. The onset of mass industrialization signaled a shift from reliance on horse power to mechanical and steam-powered alternatives. Horses like Black Beauty, while still remaining important parts of everyday British life, were about to see a significant shift in their role in society.

The novel's physical setting isn't static; it spans various English landscapes. At times, Black Beauty finds himself amidst the tranquil beauty of the countryside. At other moments, he's thrust into the bustling environment of cities or confined within stables. Each setting offers a glimpse into the diverse environments of English life during the Victorian era. It also illustrates the ubiquity of horses as animals in full-time employment. From the smallest village to the biggest city, horses were at work everywhere.

The novel also touches upon broader societal and political changes in Victorian England. Movements were stirring in Britain advocating for improved animal welfare, reflecting a growing awareness and concern for the rights of animals. The Cruelty to Animals act of 1876, for example, prohibited all but the most necessary cruelties in research using live animals. The publication of Sewell’s novel in 1877 is widely credited as being a crucial moment in the fight for animal welfare laws.