The Black Stallion

“But as the gangplank went down with a bang, Alec could see that it wasn't the ship itself that was attracting all the attention. The natives were crowding toward the center of the landing. Alec heard a whistle—shrill, loud, clear, unlike anything he had ever heard before. He saw a mighty black horse rear on its hind legs, it's four legs striking out in the air. A white scarf was tied across its eyes. The crowd broke and ran. White lather ran from the horse's body; his mouth was open, his teeth bared. He was a giant of a horse, glistening black—too big to be a pure Arabian. His mane was like a crest, mounting, then falling low. His neck was long and slender, and arched to the small, savagely beautiful head. The head was that of the wildest of all creatures—a stallion born wild—and it was beautiful, savage, splendid. A stallion with all the wonderful physical perfection that matched his savage, ruthless spirit.”

In Alec’s first encounter with the Black, the horse’s wildness is on display from the outset. Farley’s language in the first description of the stallion illustrates the horse’s power and strength, while the white scarf across its eyes illustrates the horse’s aversion and anxiety when confronted with unfamiliar surroundings.

“The stall was still standing. Alex heard a shrill whistle rise above the storm. He rushed to the door, lifted the heavy bar, and swung it open. For a second the mighty hooves stopped pounding and there was silence. Alec backed slowly away. Then he saw the Black, his head held high, his nostrils blown out with excitement. Suddenly he snorted and plunged straight for the rail and Alec. Alec was paralyzed, he couldn't move. One hand was on the rail, which was broken at this point, leaving nothing between him and the open water. The Black swerved as he came near him, and the boy realized that the stallion was making for the hole. The horse’s shoulder grazed him as he swerved, and Alec went flying into space. He felt the water close over his head.”

The foundations of trust between Alec and the Black are sparked when the horse knocks Alec into the ocean and Alec realizes he would have gone down with the Drake. In response, he grabs the lead rope dragged behind by the Black, who pulls him for hours until they find land. Thus, he saves the Black’s life, and, within a few hours, the Black saves his.

“Darkness came rapidly. Suddenly Alec felt the stillness of the island—no birds, no animals, no sounds. It was as if he and the Black were the only living creatures in the world. Millions of stars shone overhead and seemed so close. The moon rose high and round; its reflection cast upon the pool. The Black looked up from his grazing. He, too, seemed to watch the moon. Alec whistled—low, then louder and fading. A moment of silence. Then the stallion’s shrill whistle pierced the night. Alec saw the Black look in his direction and then continue searching for grass. He smiled and crawled into his shelter. The day's work had made him tired and he was soon asleep.”

As Alec recognizes that he and the Black are alone, he begins to learn more about the Black’s ways of communicating. The horse’s whistles indicate that he sees Alec and knows he is present on the island. In turn, Alec feels safe and comfortable enough with the stallion to sleep, while the horse forages for food.