Black Beauty

Black Beauty

by Anna Sewell

Mr. and Mrs. Briggs Character Analysis

The Briggses are a wealthy couple who employ Jerry’s cab regularly—until Mr. Briggs tries unsuccessfully to convince Jerry to work Sundays so he can drive Mrs. Briggs to church. Jerry refuses, and the Briggses refuse to work with him for a few weeks. But Mrs. Briggs eventually hires Jerry again, since his cab is the cleanest and safest.

Mr. and Mrs. Briggs Quotes in Black Beauty

The Black Beauty quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. and Mrs. Briggs or refer to Mr. and Mrs. Briggs. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Horse Care, Abuse, and Neglect Theme Icon
).

Chapter 36 Quotes

“I read that God made man, and He made horses and all the other beasts, and as soon as He had made them, He made a day of rest, and bade that all should rest one day in seven; and I think, sir, He must have known what was good for them, and I am sure it is good for me; I am stronger and healthier altogether, now that I have a day of rest; the horses are fresh too, and do not wear up nearly so fast.”

Related Characters: Jerry Barker (speaker), Mr. and Mrs. Briggs
Page Number and Citation: 190
Explanation and Analysis:
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Mr. and Mrs. Briggs Character Timeline in Black Beauty

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. and Mrs. Briggs appears in Black Beauty. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 36
Class, Transportation, and Victorian England Theme Icon
Dignity and Religion Theme Icon
One morning as Jerry is hitching Black Beauty to the cab, a Mr. Briggs enters the yard and asks if he could arrange for Jerry to begin driving Mrs.... (full context)
Class, Transportation, and Victorian England Theme Icon
Jerry calls Polly out of the house and tells her about Mr. Briggs ’s proposal. He says the Briggses have been wonderful customers and asks what they should... (full context)
Class, Transportation, and Victorian England Theme Icon
Good, Evil, and Power Theme Icon
Dignity and Religion Theme Icon
The men at the cab stand say Jerry was a fool to turn down Mr. Briggs , but several take his side. One driver says God and England give men and... (full context)
Chapter 37
Dignity and Religion Theme Icon
...Polly comes running out as soon as Jerry and Black Beauty get home with news: Mrs. Briggs wants Jerry to take her out tomorrow, since none of the other cabs are good... (full context)