The narrator of this story is Nell. A friend of Nell’s rescued an old mistreated mare and gave her to Nell and Tig. Nell took great care of her as if it were her child. She learned to ride her and decided to name her Gladys. Nell's sister Lizzie came over one day to visit, when she was having one of her crises. A psychiatrist diagnosed her with schizophrenia and gave her pills that made her sluggish and apathetic. The psychiatrist told Nell that it would be extremely dangerous to reveal her condition to Lizzie. Eventually, they consulted a specialist and it turned out that the psychiatrist had lied about everything and the pills were unnecessary and dangerous to Lizzie’s health. Lizzie resented Nell for not telling her about the diagnosis. She became energetic again and was fond of riding along Gladys. In the meantime, Nell became pregnant. Lizzie left the farm, her crises stopped, and she got married. One night, the white mare escaped from the barns, ended up on the streets, and was killed by a car.
Do you believe that the outcome of the story would have been different if Nell had told Lizzie about the diagnosis? If you were in her shoes what would you have done?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think the outcome would've been different even if Nell did tell Lizzie about the diagnosis. If I was in her shoes, I probably would've told Lizzie because she should know what's going on her and why she has to take those medications.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think the main message/theme of the story is?
ReplyDeleteWhat could have been done to prevent the horse's death?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe the horse is symbolic of something?
ReplyDeleteIf Nell really did have schizophrenia, do you think it would be a good idea to take in a house for caring? Seeing as she was taking pills that made her sluggish and apathetic.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of the horse getting killed?
ReplyDelete