History and Legacy
The reader is presented with stories spanning more than a century, from 1850 to 2019. This adds a rich context to the story, allowing the reader to investigate how history shapes the lives of characters both past and present. The novel focuses on Lexington, the famous racehorse, and the impact he had on Jarret, the enslaved Black teenager, in the 1850s, and Martha Jackson, who discovers the painting of Lexington, in the 1950s. The reader is able to discover the history of Lexington and the role he played in the lives of these characters, as well as how his legacy has been preserved in the present day, through the narrative. By tracing the past, the novel reveals how history and legacy have shaped the modern world and the lives of its characters. Furthermore, the novel emphasizes the importance of honoring the past and preserving the legacies of those who have come before us.
Friendship and Romance
The theme of friendship and romance is explored in a variety of ways throughout the novel. For starters, Jess and Theo form a strong bond while researching Lexington, and a romantic relationship develops from there. Jarret and Lexington's friendship is also strong, and Jarret's loyalty and devotion to the horse are evident throughout the story. Finally, despite their social and racial differences, Martha and Annie form a strong bond. The novel comments on the power of friendship and romance to transcend racial, class, and time boundaries through these relationships.
Racism and Discrimination
Jarret, an enslaved Black teenager in the 1850s American South, is subjected to the horrors of slavery and racism. In the 1950s, Martha Jackson, a white art gallerist, is astounded to learn that the painting her housekeeper Annie has asked her to help appraise is of none other than the legendary racehorse Lexington. Furthermore, in the present-day plot, Theo Northam, a Black graduate student, is killed by a police officer who believes he is attacking an injured woman he was attempting to assist. The novel emphasizes the ongoing consequences of racism and discrimination in both the past and present. It also emphasizes the brutality of racism and the need to combat it.
Connection Between Past and Present
The interweaving of the three storylines in Horse explores the theme of connection between past and present. Each story is set in the past, but it is inextricably linked to the present. Theo and Jess' story is set in the present day, and their research into the past helps them understand Lexington's history and legacy. Jarret's story is rooted in history, and through his narrative, readers gain insight into the history of race, slavery, and the American South, as well as the impact Lexington had on the horse racing industry and culture. Martha Jackson's story is set in the mid-twentieth century, and her research into the painting, as well as her connection to Lexington, help to bridge the gap between the past and the present. The novel ultimately embraces the idea of a shared history, as Theo and Jess uncover the secrets of Lexington’s past, and how it still shapes the present.
Redemption and Justice
Jarret's story highlights the injustices of slavery and the mistreatment of African-Americans in the American South during the nineteenth century. Despite his difficult circumstances, Jarret is shown to have a deep and abiding connection with the horse he attends to, Lexington, and the two form a strong bond throughout the novel. Martha Jackson's story reflects a sense of justice as well, as she discovers the painting of Lexington and is able to ensure that it is returned to the American Museum of the Horse with Theo's name on a plaque in his memory. Finally, Theo and Jess's story demonstrates a sense of justice, as Theo is recognized for his contributions to the museum even after his death.
