The Black Stallion

What words and phrases does Farley employ that are distinctly different from spoken English in the 21st Century?

In a story where there are well-developed male characters, why does Farley have only three women characters? Why do Henry and Alec’s father patronize their wives?

Though Farley takes poetic license in creating Alec’s around-the-world summer vacation to India, such trips by young people were not unheard of during the time. Given the enhanced security, communication, and travel options of today, why would a long trip with a solitary pre-teen like Alec be unlikely?

How does the Black’s character development compare to Alec’s journey of growth in the novel? What about the two is similar and what is different? How do these similarities and differences come together to help them both?

Does not such total devotion to the Black come at the detriment of necessary aspects of Alec’s life, like developing friendships and other outside interests?

Despite striving to be courteous and obedient to adults, Alec keeps important secrets from them about the Black. Why is it necessary for Alec to treat his parents in this manner? Why is Henry willing to participate in this deception?

Unlike every other male horse in the book, the Black forms an instant bond with the gelding Napoleon and gets agitated every time they are separated. Why is his relationship with Napoleon so different than with other horses?

What does Alec mean when he says at the end of the book that people will be hearing a lot more about the Black?