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Chapter 2
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in War Horse, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Dignity and Humanity
Hope and Loss
Love and Loyalty
The Horrors of War
Summary
Analysis
So slowly and gently that Joey barely notices, Albert trains him to accept a saddle and rider, and soon the two wander around the countryside together daily. Albert does most of the field work, far away from the farmer, who works in the farmyard. But Joey notices father and son arguing frequently, with Albert’s mother trying to smooth things over. He overhears mother urging her son to be kinder to the farmer, whose drinking and temper come from his worries about the future and his ability to pay off the expensive mortgage on the farm. Albert points out that his mother has worries, too, but she doesn’t drink, and she isn’t mean. Mostly, Albert worries about how much the farmer—who bought the horse out of spite and has always regretted it—complains about Joey.
The contrast between the farmer’s domineering treatment of his animals and Albert's respectful one becomes clear as Albert continues to train Joey. The strength of their relationship—not the threat of the whip—proves the stronger motivation for the horse. Joey also learns more about what has compromised the farmer’s own dignity—financial dependence makes him scared and drives him to drink. This again suggests that he can redeem his character by standing up for himself and making better choices. But until he does, his financial fears and complaints about Joey suggest he’s thinking of selling the horse.
Themes
One Wednesday morning soon after the declaration of war, the farmer forces a reluctant Albert to go to a nearby town to return a boar to another farm. After Albert leaves, the farmer lures Joey out of the stables with sweet talk and sweeter oats. With uncharacteristic gentleness, the farmer slips a halter over Joey’s head, whispering that he needs the money “real bad” and promising that “they” will look after the horse.
The farmer plans to sell Joey in a bid for financial freedom. Although he still treats Joey as an object for his own use rather than as an individual creature with his own feelings and rights, he shows a small change of heart in his concern that Joey’s new owners will treat the animal well.
Themes
