Chapters 5-7

In chapters 5-7, Joey gets his first real glimpse at what it really means to be a war horse.

Chapter 5 features Joey's time in training, before he is sent into a real war situation. He is being trained by Corporal Samuel Perkins, who is an excellent horseman but not nearly as compassionate as Albert was. Joey describes it as "I certainly felt for him a degree of respect, but this was based on fear and not love" (p32). He is being trained to be the mount for Captain Nicholls, who comes to visit him often in the evenings and sketches Joey and talks kindly to him. Joey and Captain Nicholls bond a lot in this chapter. Captain Nicholls tells Joey that they have a lot in common: they'd both rather be somewhere else, and neither of them have been to war before. At the end of chapter five, Joey meets Topthorn, who is the horse of Captain Jamie Stewart. Joey and Topthorn lead a charge exercise, which turns out to be a sort of race for them. The chapter ends as Joey and Topthorn find themselves stabled next to each other on an ocean liner that is carrying them to the frontlines of the war.

Chapter 6 starts out with Joey describing how uncomfortable and frightening the boat trip was for the horses. Throughout the ride, however, Topthorn comforts Joey and is a calming presence for him. When they get off the boat, they see hundreds of wounded soldiers at the docks, and they realize for the first time the horrors of war. After that, Joey describes how confusing their march seems to be--that they are having trouble finding the enemy. When they finally do find the enemy, they take part in their first battle. Captain Nicholls leads the charge, and is shot off of Joey. Joey keeps charging, scattering the enemy, and finally stops and is found by Captain Stewart and Topthorn. They won that skirmish, but Joey has lost his precious Captain Nicholls. Captain Stewart tells Joey "He died leading that charge and you finished it for him. He'd have been proud of you" (p. 47).

In Chapter 7, Joey meets his next human companion, Trooper Warren. Warren is the son of a blacksmith, and is very attentive towards his needs, and cares very much for Joey, but he has been spooked after his horse was shot out from under him, and it shows in his riding. He is tense in the saddle and keeps a tight rein on Joey. Poor Joey is conflicted because his new human is so good with him out of the saddle, but is such a bad rider. The troops are staying stationary for the winter, and the cold rain and harsh conditions take their toll on humans and horses alike. But Trooper Warren does his best to take good care of Joey, and also talks to him about his life back home, and comforts Joey and Topthorn both. At the end of Chapter 7, the cavalry is called to charge past the enemy trenches and through "the wire," which are deadly rolls of razor wire set out to keep enemies from charging. Chapter 7 ends with Joey and Topthorn trotting out together towards the enemy lines, with Warren whispering "Do me proud, Joey. Do me proud" (p. 57).

As you can see, these three chapters are Joey's first taste of being a real War Horse. It is hard to avoid the temptation to read ahead and find out what happens next!

test

this is a test

Chapters 1-4

The book is told from the horse’s point of view who comes home to a family and the son names the him Joey.  Joey belongs to the Narracott family, where he is placed in the same stable as the other horse named Zoey.  The father makes Albert’s responsibility to take care of Joey and train him to become a stronger horse. Albert’s father is a drunk who often comes home late at night and causes trouble with the family and the horses.  Albert’s mother is a kind, caring lady who ignores the problems her husband causes and usually keeps to herself.  In 1914 World War I is declared after the Germans invade Belgium.  Albert’s family sells Joey to the American army for money to continue running the farm.  He is very disappointed and begs Captain Nicholls to join the Army but he is too young.