How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I wish the end was come; I wish I was dead. I have seen dead horses, and I am sure they do not suffer pain. I wish I may drop down dead at my work, and not be sent off to the knacker's." (40.7)
Poor Ginger… Her confession to Beauty here is so painful. This description of pain and hardship is heartbreaking, and her wish for death as an escape from her life is downright depressing. Sadly, this isn't not the only time we hear a sentiment like this.
Quote #8
[…] the kindest thing he could do for the fine old fellow would be to put a sure bullet through his heart, and then he would never suffer more, for he did not know where to find a kind master for the rest of his days. (44.11)
Here's another example of death as a release from suffering, but in this case, it's not quite as wrenching as Ginger's story. When Captain is injured by a drunk carriage driver, his master, Jerry Barker, decides to shoot him rather than have to give him up to an uncertain fate. It's a kind, merciful choice—Jerry knows how badly horses can suffer if they fall into the wrong hands.
Quote #9
The pain of that great cart whip was sharp, but my mind was hurt quite as much as my poor sides. To be punished and abused when I was doing my very best was so hard it took the heart out of me. (46.4)
A horse's physical pain can feel so much worse when it goes hand-in-hand with cruel treatment. Beauty lets us know here that emotional pain can be just as bad as physical suffering, and it can also make everything seem hopeless.