Question
Write a literary analysis essay of the excerpt from Believing in Horses the author, Valerie Ormond,
a fully-developed literary analysis essay of at least 500 words
includes properly-cited text evidence to support thesis statement
typed as a document (Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt, double-spaced)
an analysis of development of theme, NOT a summary of the text
theme: trust and
When no one else showed up at the barn, Sadie rode Lucky in the outdoor arena, schooled him over small jumps, and worked on her equitation skills. She thought back to her first day on Lucky when the big blue heron had swooped down, and realized how far they had come together. Perhaps because there were no other riders in the barn, Sadie felt a tinge of loneliness, and was relieved that she had her best friend, Lucky, right there.
After dismounting, Sadie reasoned that it would be safe if she took Lucky for a walk on the trail, leading him instead of riding him. It made sense to her. She had never done it before, but then again she had never thought of it before. She set out on foot and the uneven footing gave her a new appreciation for the abilities of trail horses. After catching a branch or two in the face, she wondered why horses didn’t put up more of a fuss and started paying closer attention to what was ahead of her. Too stubborn to turn around, Sadie forged ahead in the thick mud and tried to enjoy the serenity of the woods.
The trail looked quite different on foot than it did atop her big horse. She followed what she thought was the right path and ended up surrounded by holly trees and sticker bushes, clearly in the wrong place. Lucky looked at her as if to say, “I told you it was the other way,” and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’ll listen to you at the next fork in the road,” she said, and hugged his neck. They got back on track and descended deeper into the woods; the sounds of deer in the distance were muffled by the leaves rustling as the wind picked up.
Sadie thought she heard a car door shut and found that odd. They were far out in the woods, and she’d never heard anything like that before back here. She chalked it up to her imagination, or a branch breaking, and put her mind back to navigating the roots and rocks on the trail and avoiding the branches that came at her face. Then it began to rain.
It wasn’t a drizzle; it was a downpour. Sadie still hadn’t quite figured out this Maryland weather. It seemed like it could be bright and sunny one minute, pouring rain the next, and then bright and sunny again. It hadn’t been a nice day, but she hadn’t expected this! Sadie couldn’t see two feet in front of her face. A thunder clap came from above, as loud as she’d ever heard, and she thought it shook the earth. Lucky pulled back on the reins, but considering the sound of the thunder, he behaved well.
Sadie stood still and comforted Lucky, at the same time comforting herself. She looked to see if there was any shelter under which they could hide from the storm, but she couldn’t see anything. Then she remembered seeing an old abandoned deer stand on the trail. Sadie was pretty sure it was only a few hundred yards from where they stood and set out to find it, leading the way for Lucky. The sky darkened even more, rain pelted them, and the wind howled. Sadie regretted going out on the trail alone now.
Another clap of thunder shook their ears, and Sadie looked back to ensure Lucky was okay. His eyes were wide, his nostrils flared, but he looked at Sadie as if he trusted her. Sadie continued forward, picking up the pace because she wasn’t sure how long Lucky could keep his cool. Thinking she was on a familiar path, she turned back to Lucky to calm him and tell him they were almost there. By the time she faced forward again, it was too late. She plunged down a deep ravine and into a stream at the bottom with a loud splash and a scream.
Lucky’s instincts to flee from danger took over. Sadie had let the reins go during her fall. Lucky took off in a terrified gallop through the woods.
Sadie could not afford to feel pain or panic. She had to get a hold of herself quickly. She pulled herself out from the mud, climbed up the ravine, and called after Lucky.
It was useless. He was well out of her earshot, and the rain and thunder were too loud. Horses instinctively return to their homes, and Sadie hoped that Lucky was on his way back to the barn. She didn’t blame him for being so scared and losing his confidence in her.
Sadie went for her cell phone to let somebody know what was happening. This was no longer about her stubbornness or pride, it was about making sure Lucky was safe. Of course, her cell phone was safely tucked into her saddle bag — on Lucky. She took a deep breath, told herself that was okay, and that everyone would find out soon enough what was going on when Lucky came galloping up the path to the barn alone. As a source of strength she said out loud, “I believe you’re going to know what to do, Lucky,” and trudged back towards the barn, paying very close attention to where she was going this time.
a fully-developed literary analysis essay of at least 500 words
includes properly-cited text evidence to support thesis statement
typed as a document (Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt, double-spaced)
an analysis of development of theme, NOT a summary of the text
theme: trust and
When no one else showed up at the barn, Sadie rode Lucky in the outdoor arena, schooled him over small jumps, and worked on her equitation skills. She thought back to her first day on Lucky when the big blue heron had swooped down, and realized how far they had come together. Perhaps because there were no other riders in the barn, Sadie felt a tinge of loneliness, and was relieved that she had her best friend, Lucky, right there.
After dismounting, Sadie reasoned that it would be safe if she took Lucky for a walk on the trail, leading him instead of riding him. It made sense to her. She had never done it before, but then again she had never thought of it before. She set out on foot and the uneven footing gave her a new appreciation for the abilities of trail horses. After catching a branch or two in the face, she wondered why horses didn’t put up more of a fuss and started paying closer attention to what was ahead of her. Too stubborn to turn around, Sadie forged ahead in the thick mud and tried to enjoy the serenity of the woods.
The trail looked quite different on foot than it did atop her big horse. She followed what she thought was the right path and ended up surrounded by holly trees and sticker bushes, clearly in the wrong place. Lucky looked at her as if to say, “I told you it was the other way,” and she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’ll listen to you at the next fork in the road,” she said, and hugged his neck. They got back on track and descended deeper into the woods; the sounds of deer in the distance were muffled by the leaves rustling as the wind picked up.
Sadie thought she heard a car door shut and found that odd. They were far out in the woods, and she’d never heard anything like that before back here. She chalked it up to her imagination, or a branch breaking, and put her mind back to navigating the roots and rocks on the trail and avoiding the branches that came at her face. Then it began to rain.
It wasn’t a drizzle; it was a downpour. Sadie still hadn’t quite figured out this Maryland weather. It seemed like it could be bright and sunny one minute, pouring rain the next, and then bright and sunny again. It hadn’t been a nice day, but she hadn’t expected this! Sadie couldn’t see two feet in front of her face. A thunder clap came from above, as loud as she’d ever heard, and she thought it shook the earth. Lucky pulled back on the reins, but considering the sound of the thunder, he behaved well.
Sadie stood still and comforted Lucky, at the same time comforting herself. She looked to see if there was any shelter under which they could hide from the storm, but she couldn’t see anything. Then she remembered seeing an old abandoned deer stand on the trail. Sadie was pretty sure it was only a few hundred yards from where they stood and set out to find it, leading the way for Lucky. The sky darkened even more, rain pelted them, and the wind howled. Sadie regretted going out on the trail alone now.
Another clap of thunder shook their ears, and Sadie looked back to ensure Lucky was okay. His eyes were wide, his nostrils flared, but he looked at Sadie as if he trusted her. Sadie continued forward, picking up the pace because she wasn’t sure how long Lucky could keep his cool. Thinking she was on a familiar path, she turned back to Lucky to calm him and tell him they were almost there. By the time she faced forward again, it was too late. She plunged down a deep ravine and into a stream at the bottom with a loud splash and a scream.
Lucky’s instincts to flee from danger took over. Sadie had let the reins go during her fall. Lucky took off in a terrified gallop through the woods.
Sadie could not afford to feel pain or panic. She had to get a hold of herself quickly. She pulled herself out from the mud, climbed up the ravine, and called after Lucky.
It was useless. He was well out of her earshot, and the rain and thunder were too loud. Horses instinctively return to their homes, and Sadie hoped that Lucky was on his way back to the barn. She didn’t blame him for being so scared and losing his confidence in her.
Sadie went for her cell phone to let somebody know what was happening. This was no longer about her stubbornness or pride, it was about making sure Lucky was safe. Of course, her cell phone was safely tucked into her saddle bag — on Lucky. She took a deep breath, told herself that was okay, and that everyone would find out soon enough what was going on when Lucky came galloping up the path to the barn alone. As a source of strength she said out loud, “I believe you’re going to know what to do, Lucky,” and trudged back towards the barn, paying very close attention to where she was going this time.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Trust, Instinct, and Hope: Analyzing the Theme of Trust in Valerie Ormond’s *Believing in Horses***
In Valerie Ormond’s *Believing in Horses*, the theme of trust emerges as a pivotal element that drives character development and the narrative's emotional core. The bond between the protagonist, Sadie, and her horse, Lucky, serves as a foundation for exploring trust on multiple levels—trust in oneself, trust in others, and the fundamental trust that exists between a rider and her horse. Through their experiences in the woods, particularly during the rainstorm, Ormond effectively illustrates how trust is forged, tested, and ultimately reaffirmed in times of crisis.
Trust begins with Sadie's relationship with Lucky, as evidenced in the initial passages where she reflects on their journey together. The text highlights their camaraderie when Sadie recalls how far they have come since her first day with Lucky. “She thought back to her first day on Lucky when the big blue heron had swooped down, and realized how far they had come together.” This reminiscence not only emphasizes the growth of their partnership but also indicates an evolving trust that has been built over shared experiences. As Sadie rides Lucky and practices her skills, she is engaging in a mutual trust transfer—she trusts Lucky to perform as her partner, while Lucky trusts Sadie to guide him safely through their endeavors. This foundational trust is crucial as it sets the stage for the challenge they will soon face together.
The theme of trust is further complicated in the episode where Sadie decides to take Lucky on an adventure off the saddle. As she navigates the trail, her unease gradually shifts from excitement to apprehension. The decision to lead Lucky rather than ride him symbolizes a deeper trust—Sadie not only trusts her instincts but also evaluates Lucky’s capabilities in a new context. “The trail looked quite different on foot than it did atop her big horse,” she reflects, and this shift illuminates an understanding of her dependency on Lucky’s experience and abilities. By choosing to follow Lucky’s lead, Sadie acknowledges his instincts, a significant moment that reinforces her trust in him as a sentient being with his own insights about their surroundings.
Yet, as nature transforms from serene to tempestuous, the theme of trust is put to a severe test. The sudden downpour, accompanied by thunder and confusion, mirrors Sadie's internal tumult. When the storm hits and chaos ensues, both Sadie and Lucky must rely on their trust in one another. Sadie's attempts to calm Lucky illustrate her awareness of their intertwined fates: “Sadie stood still and comforted Lucky, at the same time comforting herself.” In this moment, it is clear that trust is not static but rather dynamic, needing reinforcement when challenges arise. However, when Lucky succumbs to instinct and bolts away from the danger, it becomes a moment of heartbreak for Sadie, who perceives this as a betrayal of their bond. The fall into the ravine serves as a symbolic fracture in their trust, calling into question the reliability of their partnership amidst fear.
The narrative progresses as Sadie confronts her feelings of fear and panic, illuminating that trust is a two-way street. Feeling the loss of Lucky and the isolation of her situation compels Sadie to rethink her priorities and her relationship with Lucky. “This was no longer about her stubbornness or pride, it was about making sure Lucky was safe,” she states. This emotional pivot reveals that trust is not merely about reliance but also about responsibility. It is a transition from dependency to agency, as Sadie recognizes the importance of her role in ensuring their mutual safety. The act of believing in Lucky at that moment—“I believe you’re going to know what to do, Lucky,”—highlights the redemption of trust, suggesting that even when the bond is tested, the faith placed in one another can be a catalyst for survival.
In conclusion, Ormond’s *Believing in Horses* intricately weaves the theme of trust through the interactions between Sadie and Lucky, showcasing its complexities and profound importance. As they navigate challenges together, their relationship evolves, underscoring that trust is essential not only for their success in the saddle but also for their survival during the unforeseen storms of life. By exploring the trajectory of their trust, Ormond invites readers to consider not only the bonds they form with others but also the deeper trust they must cultivate within themselves to navigate the uncertainties of existence.
In Valerie Ormond’s *Believing in Horses*, the theme of trust emerges as a pivotal element that drives character development and the narrative's emotional core. The bond between the protagonist, Sadie, and her horse, Lucky, serves as a foundation for exploring trust on multiple levels—trust in oneself, trust in others, and the fundamental trust that exists between a rider and her horse. Through their experiences in the woods, particularly during the rainstorm, Ormond effectively illustrates how trust is forged, tested, and ultimately reaffirmed in times of crisis.
Trust begins with Sadie's relationship with Lucky, as evidenced in the initial passages where she reflects on their journey together. The text highlights their camaraderie when Sadie recalls how far they have come since her first day with Lucky. “She thought back to her first day on Lucky when the big blue heron had swooped down, and realized how far they had come together.” This reminiscence not only emphasizes the growth of their partnership but also indicates an evolving trust that has been built over shared experiences. As Sadie rides Lucky and practices her skills, she is engaging in a mutual trust transfer—she trusts Lucky to perform as her partner, while Lucky trusts Sadie to guide him safely through their endeavors. This foundational trust is crucial as it sets the stage for the challenge they will soon face together.
The theme of trust is further complicated in the episode where Sadie decides to take Lucky on an adventure off the saddle. As she navigates the trail, her unease gradually shifts from excitement to apprehension. The decision to lead Lucky rather than ride him symbolizes a deeper trust—Sadie not only trusts her instincts but also evaluates Lucky’s capabilities in a new context. “The trail looked quite different on foot than it did atop her big horse,” she reflects, and this shift illuminates an understanding of her dependency on Lucky’s experience and abilities. By choosing to follow Lucky’s lead, Sadie acknowledges his instincts, a significant moment that reinforces her trust in him as a sentient being with his own insights about their surroundings.
Yet, as nature transforms from serene to tempestuous, the theme of trust is put to a severe test. The sudden downpour, accompanied by thunder and confusion, mirrors Sadie's internal tumult. When the storm hits and chaos ensues, both Sadie and Lucky must rely on their trust in one another. Sadie's attempts to calm Lucky illustrate her awareness of their intertwined fates: “Sadie stood still and comforted Lucky, at the same time comforting herself.” In this moment, it is clear that trust is not static but rather dynamic, needing reinforcement when challenges arise. However, when Lucky succumbs to instinct and bolts away from the danger, it becomes a moment of heartbreak for Sadie, who perceives this as a betrayal of their bond. The fall into the ravine serves as a symbolic fracture in their trust, calling into question the reliability of their partnership amidst fear.
The narrative progresses as Sadie confronts her feelings of fear and panic, illuminating that trust is a two-way street. Feeling the loss of Lucky and the isolation of her situation compels Sadie to rethink her priorities and her relationship with Lucky. “This was no longer about her stubbornness or pride, it was about making sure Lucky was safe,” she states. This emotional pivot reveals that trust is not merely about reliance but also about responsibility. It is a transition from dependency to agency, as Sadie recognizes the importance of her role in ensuring their mutual safety. The act of believing in Lucky at that moment—“I believe you’re going to know what to do, Lucky,”—highlights the redemption of trust, suggesting that even when the bond is tested, the faith placed in one another can be a catalyst for survival.
In conclusion, Ormond’s *Believing in Horses* intricately weaves the theme of trust through the interactions between Sadie and Lucky, showcasing its complexities and profound importance. As they navigate challenges together, their relationship evolves, underscoring that trust is essential not only for their success in the saddle but also for their survival during the unforeseen storms of life. By exploring the trajectory of their trust, Ormond invites readers to consider not only the bonds they form with others but also the deeper trust they must cultivate within themselves to navigate the uncertainties of existence.