

Later, as the young men do not come home and more sons are sent to the front, the futility of the battle starts to become entirely clear. The people in Albert's area hope that the war will solve problems and be an efficient route to victory. The Futility of WarĪt the start of the novel, the futile nature of war is dealt with in an abstract sense, with people in the farming community talking about news from the front and young men preparing to depart from England. Skilled riders, seasoned veterans, and innocent young people are all drawn to the horses, seeing and valuing in these animals the traits of nobility, bravery, and gentleness. Little Emilie becomes deeply attached to both Topthorn and Joey for a time, the three of them enjoy a life that appears to be almost paradisiacal, compared to the hardships that mark Joey's time on the front lines. Nor is the bond that Morpurgo discusses limited by age, gender, or profession. The bond between human and equine characters is also illustrated in a more general sense when Joey describes the intense relationship between his fellow war horses, such as Topthorn, and the men who ride them.

Although Joey does bond with subsequent riders, the kinship that he and Albert share is lifelong and genuine. The fact that Joey recognizes this call is a tangible illustration of this bond.

Albert has a special whistle noise to call Joey to him it is this whistle that proves to his superior officers that the horse they have brought in as the war rages is indeed Joey.

When Joey arrives in the stable, he and his human friend Albert begin to create an emotional bond, finding communication strategies that allow them to get to know each other in a profound and genuine manner. Buy Study Guide The Bond Between Horse and Humanįrom the outset of the novel, the deep and enduring bond between a horse and his rider or owner is both emphasized and celebrated.
