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!
Throughout the three chapters that we read in Warhorse for this Literature Circle, I feel we find and see the true meaning that these horses have in the battle. Through Captain Nicholls you see his deep appreciation for Joey in the fact that he comes and talks to him every night and even sketched a picture of him to send back to Albert. Topthorn's Captain makes time to come tell Joey that Captain Nicholls would have been proud after his first time charging in battle. Finally with Trooper Warren you see through his compassion and care for Joey during the winter months, the love and trust that these men build with the horses. I feel that this most recent blog post really drew upon that and helps to see the connection between men and horses.
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 5-7 of War Horse we get a taste of what war was like for soldiers and horses. The first battle occurs, and actually reflects the meaning of the book title. I have never been around horses, but Joey's point of view provides a detailed description of what horses could be imagining and experiencing. I did not realize the amount of time soldiers spent with their calvary, like Captain Nicholls coming and drawing Joey in his stable. I hope that further in the book Joey can finally have a stable connection with a person to be "Albert's replacement".
ReplyDeleteIn these three chapters a lot really happened. With Joey going through training then being shipped over to France and losing Captain Nicholls it is a lot for a young horse to take in but he is doing very well! This is his first time Joey is a real War horse and we see the connection between men and their horses in war. I feel as though the relationship with Joey and Trooper is going to strengthen as the book goes on. Both have already lost someone that meant something in the war and they need each other. I am really excited to read the next couple of chapters and see how it all pans out!
ReplyDeletei really feel bad for joey because he has not had one consistant thing happen to him the entire book. I know war is nto supposed to be fun and stuff but i guess thats how they have to show that it is "hell" I look forward to what we have to read and to see if albert and joey connect again.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Matt. It bothers me that Joey hasn't been able to have a consistent master throughout the book thus far. I think about my dog, Calipari, and how she has been with me from day one. She is very loyal and loving, and when I leave to go to school, work, or anything else she refuses to eat until I come home. I just can't imagine how poor Joey feels after having to leave his home, leave Albert, being handed off to Captain Nicholls, then passed on to Corporal Perkins for training, then Captain Nicholls is killed in war, and now he's been placed with his new rider, Trooper Warren. That is A LOT of change for one horse. Everything in his life at this point is uncertain. He doesn't know what it means to have stability or consistency. I hope that Trooper Warren is able to provide Joey with some stability and comfort. This horse has been to hell and back, and he certainly deserves a good break.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very interesting the changes that occur to Joey. So far throughout the first 7 chapters, so much change has gone on. Joey has went from being with Zoey and Albert, Captain Nicholls and Topthorn,and now preparing for another battle with Trooper Warren. I wonder if this will ever have a negative effect on Joey. Will Joey ever struggle? So far, Joey has had success in everything he has done. I am interested in seeing how all of this effects Joey.
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