Question

***A Tale of a Horse

Ashford Wisterman

Huang ran a stable that bred and trained the finest horses in China. Under his watchful eye, the horses grew strong enough to pull wagons. They also became as beautiful as sculptures. Lords and barons across the land purchased his horses for work and sport alike. When the king himself ordered a horse, though, Huang knew he had reached a peak of success.

Huang's family was not wealthy, but they were grateful for what they had. They were also proud of their work. Attracting the favor of the king surely justified their years of toil. "We did this together, with all our own ideas and hard work," said Huang.

They celebrated all day and the mood was clear and bright. In the evening, a messenger from the king arrived. He said that His Lordship had requested that Huang deliver the horse personally so that he may meet the skilled stablemaster.

Huang was honored—but nervous. He was a humble man. He bowed when he met even the local nobles, who were themselves unfit to wash the king's sandals. How would he dare meet the king himself?

His young daughter, Biyu, spoke up. "Father, you have done this well with your own ideas and choices. They have brought you success so far. You have impressed the king just by being yourself!"

Huang laughed and hugged his daughter. "My precious Biyu, you have always been my best supporter. I want you to join me on our trip to the king's castle."

And so it was. On the day of delivery, Huang and Biyu walked the finest horse out of the stables and led it through the streets. They did not ride the horse. Rather, one walked on each side, and they proceeded happily, laughing and singing. Everything in the world felt right.

As Huang, Biyu, and the fine horse entered the city, many of the locals looked at them strangely. Their eyes glared with judgment and criticism. At last one of them said, "Why do you have this fine horse and not ride it? That is a pretty dim-witted idea."

Huang shrugged and said maybe he had been wrong. He climbed atop the horse and then helped Biyu climb on behind him. And so they rode the horse a little farther along the city streets. Still, the judging eyes remained. Within a few minutes, another stranger grimaced at them. She said, "Why do the two of you ride on that poor horse? Can't you see he will get tired and sore?"

Huang agreed that both he and Biyu did not have to ride at the same time. So he climbed off and let Biyu continue on the horse's back. Yet another passerby gave them a nasty look. "What a lazy child to ride a horse and make her poor father walk!"

Again, Huang saw the stranger's point of view. This time, Biyu decided to walk while Huang rode the horse. But soon another critic had appeared nearby. This one said, "How can you let this poor child walk on her little legs while you ride this fine horse?"

Huang got off the horse. He looked upset and puzzled, worried that he was already doing everything wrong. How could he ever meet a king when he couldn't even lead a horse through the streets?

Biyu saw how troubled he looked. She just looked at him with a little smile, a smile that reminded him of how proud and happy they should be. It also reminded him of the wise words she had offered him earlier.

Huang said to the stranger, "Kindly mind your business and don't trouble over ours." And he and Biyu both walked alongside the horse, as they had in the start. They laughed and sang merrily on their way to the castle.

Question:

How does the author develop a central theme in "A Tale of a Horse"? Identify and explain one of the author's central themes.

These requirements will be scored:
1. Student answers in paragraph form.
2. Answers the question(s) provided in the prompt.
3. Provides relevant examples/details/evidence from the text to support the answer.
4. Explains the how evidence/details relate to his/her answer.
5. Uses correct grammar/conventions.

Answer 1

The central theme in "A Tale of a Horse" is staying true to oneself, which is developed through the protagonist's experiences of facing and eventually disregarding external criticisms while preparing to present a horse to the king.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Ashford Wisterman's short story "A Tale of a Horse," the author develops a central theme of staying true to oneself amid external judgments and opinions. This theme is echoed through Huang's experiences as he prepares to present his horse to the king. Initially, Huang and his daughter walk alongside the horse, but after receiving criticism from onlookers, they change their approach several times in an attempt to please others. This conflict embodies the message that one should rely on personal convictions and not be swayed by the diverse opinions of others. This narrative detail is crucial as it underlines the story's moral: individual confidence and authenticity are more valuable than the varying standards of society. Huang's resolution to walk alongside the horse again, in the end, reaffirms his self-belief and the importance of making choices that are right for oneself, regardless of outside criticism or approval.

Answer 2

The story moves around the theme of freedom of choice and its relation with happiness. According to this theme a man can be happy in a true sense if he follows his own ideas and free will. The author establishes this theme with the help of a series of events. Huang is living a life full of contentment until he follows his choice and ideas. His word when he comments on his success saying, "we all did it together, with all our own ideas and hard work," reinforce this theme. However, when on his way to the king's palace he tries to please other people by listening to their comments, he becomes greatly worried and confused. At the end, it is his wise daughter who makes him realize that true happiness lies in following one's own will. His reply to the stranger, "kindly mind your own business and don't trouble with ours." summarizes the whole theme of the story. If you really want to be happy in your life, never let anyone point directions to you. Just follow your own point of view and your own way.