Black Beauty is told from a uniformly first-person perspective. The horse Black Beauty, as the first-person narrator, adjusts his tone in response to his varying circumstances. As he transitions between different owners and environments, the tone shifts, ranging from contentment to concern or hopefulness. This adaptability offers readers insights into his perception of the world as it changes around him. It also allows the novel’s political message to become aligned with the narrator’s “autobiography”: as the audience learns more about Black Beauty, Sewell’s argument for the ethical treatment of horses becomes stronger and stronger.
Black Beauty is a compassionate and empathetic narrator. His narrative repeatedly shows a deep concern for fellow animals and humans. His perspective urges that all creatures—particularly horses—experience kindness and equitable treatment. The fact that horses can understand everything humans say in the novel lends the whole work a sense of dramatic irony. The narrator always understands more than the people around him think he does.
Black Beauty frequently indulges in reflective insights. Instead of merely narrating events, he delves into contemplation, attempting to work out the motivations behind human behaviors. This introspection adds a layer of depth to the narrative, prompting readers to consider the broader implications of their actions. The work’s attitude is consistently didactic, as the reader is invited to learn about Black Beauty’s world alongside him.
As events unfold in the novel, Black Beauty's tone becomes increasingly assertive in condemning cruelty. What begins as a simple recounting of his life gradually transforms into a fervent plea for the improved treatment of all horses. The escalation in the novel’s tone of advocacy underscores Sewell’s message on the importance of compassion.
