“Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

“Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster’ included in his 2007 collection Fear of Thunder, explores the profound connection between humans and horses. Through vivid imagery and subtle metaphor, Forster portrays the horse whisperer as a skilled and respected figure, capable of communicating with these majestic creatures on an intimate level. The poem delves into themes of trust, understanding, and the enduring power of an unspoken bond.

Text: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

They shouted for me
when their horses snorted, when restless
hooves traced circles in the earth
and shimmering muscles refused the plough.
My secret was a spongy tissue, pulled bloody
from the mouth of a just-born foal,
scented with rosemary, cinnamon,
a charm to draw the tender giants
to my hands.

They shouted for me
when their horses reared at burning straw
and eyes revolved in stately heads.
I would pull a frog’s wishbone,
tainted by meat, from a pouch,
a new fear to fight the fear of fire,
so I could lead the horses,
like helpless children, to safety.

I swore I would protect
this legacy of whispers
but the tractor came over the fields
like a warning. I was the life-blood
no longer. From pulpits
I was scorned as demon and witch.
Pitchforks drove me from villages and farms.

My gifts were the tools of revenge.
A foul hex above a stable door
so a trusted stallion could be ridden
no more. Then I joined the stampede,
with others of my kind,
to countries far from our trade.

Still I miss them. Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk.
The searing breath, glistening veins,
steady tread and the pride,
most of all the pride.

Annotations: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

Full Stanza	Analysis of Stanza
1	The opening establishes a setting of rural dependence on horses for essential labor. The horse whisperer is presented as an enigmatic figure possessing methods that are both practical and imbued with a sense of ritual. The visceral imagery underscores the blend of pragmatism and folk tradition in the whisperer’s world.
2	The horse whisperer’s authority and specialized skillset are solidified. Their methods tap into an intuitive understanding of animal psychology, employing techniques designed to override instinct. The simile reinforces the whisperer’s unique ability to guide and protect in moments of crisis.
3	A stark juxtaposition highlights the disruption wrought by technological advancement. The shift in power dynamics leads to the ostracization of the horse whisperer. This mirrors a broader societal trend where established knowledge systems may be supplanted, and those who embody them can face persecution based on fear and misunderstanding.
4	This stanza reflects a fracturing of the social order. The corruption of the whisperer’s knowledge, born from social alienation, emphasizes the potential consequences of marginalization and underscores the tenuous balance between a skillset being used for good or ill.
5	The poem concludes with a poignant expression of loss. Specific horse breeds anchor the longing in a concrete reality, while the focus shifts from skill to the physical and emotional bond between human and animal. Emphasis on “pride” highlights the dignity of the work itself, while also hinting at a lost sense of personal pride for the speaker.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

Literary Device	Example	Explanation	Function in Poem’s Context
Alliteration	“a new fear to fight the fear of fire”	Repetition of consonant sounds	Creates emphasis and a sense of rhythm
Assonance	“spongy tissue”, “shimmering muscles”	Repetition of vowel sounds	Enhances the flow and musicality of the lines
Consonance	“shouted for me”, “from the mouth”	Repetition of consonant sounds at the end of words	Creates a subtle echoing effect
Enjambment	“and shimmering muscles refused the plough.”	A sentence continues without pause onto the next line	Builds suspense and emphasizes connected ideas
Imagery	“shimmering muscles”, “burning straw”	Appeals to senses (sight, smell, touch)	Creates vivid mental pictures and evokes emotion
Metaphor	“the tractor came…like a warning”	Direct comparison (without ‘like’ or ‘as’)	Emphasizes the threat of progress, foreshadowing change
Onomatopoeia	“snorted”	Word mimics the sound it describes	Adds a sensory layer and makes the scene more immediate
Personification	“eyes revolved in stately heads”	Gives human qualities to an animal	Highlights the majesty of horses and their emotional response
Repetition	“They shouted for me”	Repeats key phrase	Emphasizes the community’s reliance on the horse whisperer
Simile	“like helpless children”	Compares horses to children using ‘like’	Highlights the whisperer’s role as protector
Symbolism	“a foul hex above a stable door”	Object represents a deeper concept (revenge)	Underscores the potential misuse of the whisperer’s knowledge
Allusion	“…scorned as demon and witch”	References historical persecutions	Suggests the fear and rejection of the unknown
Irony	“I swore I would protect…”	Contradiction between expectation and outcome	Emphasizes the failure to preserve traditional ways
Symbol	“the tractor”	Represents technological advancement	Highlights the force that disrupts the old way of life
Metonymy	“the legacy of whispers”	A related concept stands in for the main idea	Underscores the knowledge and tradition passed down
Oxymoron	“tender giants”	Contradictory terms	Emphasizes the dual nature of horses (strength and gentleness)
Hyperbole	“like helpless children”	Exaggeration	Heightens the stakes and the importance of the whisperer
Synecdoche	“Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk”	Part of a whole represents the whole (Horse breeds)	Conveys a specific longing for a world that’s lost
Euphemism	“countries far from our trade”	Mild phrasing avoids harsh reality	Soften the sense of displacement and exile
Allegory	(Overall)	The poem tells a story with a deeper meaning	Represents the struggle between tradition and progress

Themes: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

1. Trust and Communication
   • Example: The horse whisperer’s ability to calm horses through whispered communication and unconventional methods highlights the importance of trust and understanding between humans and animals.
   • Quote: “My secret was a spongy tissue, pulled bloody from the mouth of a just-born foal, scented with rosemary, cinnamon, a charm to draw the tender giants to my hands.”
2. Fear and Courage
   • Example: The poem depicts the fear of horses rearing at burning straw and the whisperer’s courageous efforts to overcome that fear by using unique techniques.
   • Quote: “I would pull a frog’s wishbone, tainted by meat, from a pouch, a new fear to fight the fear of fire, so I could lead the horses, like helpless children, to safety.”
3. Isolation and Rejection
   • Example: The horse whisperer faces isolation and rejection from society as his skills are no longer valued with the advent of modern technology, symbolized by the tractor.
   • Quote: “From pulpits I was scorned as demon and witch. Pitchforks drove me from villages and farms.”
4. Nostalgia and Longing
   • Example: The poem conveys a sense of longing for the past, where the horse whisperer reminisces about his connection with horses and the pride he once felt in his work.
   • Quote: “Still I miss them. Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk. The searing breath, glistening veins, steady tread and the pride, most of all the pride.”

Literary Theories and “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

Literary Theory	Explanation	Application to “Horse Whisperer”
Formalism / New Criticism	Focuses on the text itself, analyzing elements like structure, language, imagery, and symbolism.	* Examine the poem’s use of literary devices and how they contribute to its overall meaning. * Analyze the contrasting images of nature vs. technology for their symbolic significance.
Reader-Response	Emphasizes the reader’s active role in creating meaning from the text. How does the reader’s background and experiences shape their interpretation?	* Consider different emotional responses the poem might evoke (nostalgia, sadness, awe, etc.). * Explore how readers with varying levels of knowledge about horses might interact with the text.
Marxist	Examines power structures, social class, and economic forces within literature.	* Analyze the conflict between traditional rural life and advancing technology (the tractor). * Consider the horse whisperer’s changing social status (respected to outcast) as reflecting a broader societal shift.
Feminist	Focuses on how gender roles, representations of women, and power dynamics between genders are portrayed in literature.	* Though not directly focused on women, consider how the displacement of a traditional ‘masculine’ skillset might be analyzed through a feminist lens. * Explore potential interpretations of the allusion to “witch,” given the historical persecution of women for possessing unconventional knowledge.
Psychoanalytic	Explores subconscious motivations, desires, and symbolism in literature, often using Freudian or Jungian concepts.	* Examine the horse whisperer’s motivations for revenge – are they rooted in a deeper psychological wound? * Analyze the use of animal symbolism as potentially representing repressed aspects of the speaker’s psyche.
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the environment, exploring themes of nature, human impact, and non-human perspectives.	*Analyze the changing relationship between humans and horses as a result of mechanization. * Explore the poem’s emphasis on the physicality of horses and how it contrasts with the impersonal tractor.

Critical Questions about “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

Critical Question	Example from the Poem	Explanation
1. How does the poem explore the theme of tradition versus modernity?	The poem examines the clash between traditional methods, represented by the horse whisperer’s techniques, and modernization, symbolized by the tractor that renders his skills obsolete.	The horse whisperer’s traditional methods, such as using a “spongy tissue” scented with herbs to calm horses, stand in stark contrast to the encroaching modernity symbolized by the advancing tractor. This conflict reflects broader societal shifts from agrarian lifestyles to industrialization, highlighting the tension between preserving traditional knowledge and embracing technological progress.
2. What role does societal perception play in shaping the narrative of the poem?	The societal perception of the horse whisperer as a figure of suspicion and fear, labeled as a “demon” and “witch” by villagers, drives the narrative forward and influences the whisperer’s actions and fate.	The negative societal perception of the horse whisperer as an outcast reflects the fear of the unknown and the rejection of unconventional practices. This perception shapes the whisperer’s experiences, leading to his eventual isolation and departure from his community. It also underscores broader themes of prejudice and the marginalization of those who deviate from societal norms.
3. How does the poem use symbolism to convey deeper meanings?	The horse whisperer’s tools, such as the “frog’s wishbone” and the “foul hex,” serve as symbols of his unconventional methods and the consequences of societal rejection.	The “frog’s wishbone” tainted by meat represents the whisperer’s resourcefulness in facing challenges, while the “foul hex” symbolizes his descent into using his skills for revenge. These symbols not only convey the whisperer’s internal conflict but also explore themes of power, morality, and the transformative effects of societal rejection on individuals.
4. In what ways does the poem explore the complexities of human-animal relationships?	Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poem delves into the intricate dynamics of trust, communication, and empathy between humans and horses, highlighting the profound bond shared between the whisperer and the animals he cares for.	The poem vividly depicts the whisperer’s intimate connection with horses, portraying them as sentient beings capable of understanding and responding to his gestures and words. This exploration of human-animal relationships reveals themes of empathy, mutual respect, and the transcendent nature of interspecies communication, inviting readers to reconsider their perceptions of animals and the bonds that unite humans and animals alike.

Literary Works Similar to “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

1. “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W.B. Yeats: This poem explores themes of change and the passage of time, similar to “Horse Whisperer.” It also delves into the idea of connection with nature and the longing for a sense of belonging.
2. “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell: Although a novel rather than a poem, “Black Beauty” shares similarities with “Horse Whisperer” in its exploration of the bond between humans and horses, as well as themes of empathy and understanding.
3. “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder: This novel examines the interconnected lives of characters and the impact of fate, similar to how “Horse Whisperer” delves into societal perception and its consequences on the protagonist’s life.
4. “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost: While focused on a different subject matter, this poem by Frost explores themes of tradition and change, which resonates with the themes present in “Horse Whisperer.”
5. “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: This novel shares themes of the wilderness, survival, and the bond between humans and animals, similar to the exploration of these themes in “Horse Whisperer.”

Suggested Readings: “Horse Whisperer” by Andrew Forster

1. The Poem’s Text:

• Tusitala Website: “Andrew Forster The Horse Whisperer Analysis One: GCSE English tuition Manchester, Bolton and Bury.” Tusitala, 2 Jan. 2018, www.tusitala.org.uk/andrew-forster-the-horse-whisperer-analysis-one-gcse-english-tuition-manchester-bolton-and-bury/.
• Poem Analysis Website: “Horse Whisperer by Andrew Forster.” Poem Analysis, 19 Dec. 2014, [invalid URL removed].

2. Potential Background on Andrew Forster:

• British Council Literature Website: “Andrew Forster.” British Council | Literature, literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/andrew-forster. (Note: Limited information, but can confirm Forster’s recognition within British literary circles)

3. Broader Context (Horse Whispering Techniques):

• TheHorse.com: “Horse Whispering: What’s It All About?” TheHorse.com, 3 Sept. 2021, (Gives basic overview of real-world practices).