War Horse - Chapter 6 — J23 Education

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Key Vocabulary

Click a word to reveal its definition.

exuberance ▼

Overflowing energy, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness; lively and high-spirited excitement.

buoyant ▼

Having a cheerful, positive mood; light-hearted and optimistic even in difficult circumstances.

peremptory ▼

Abrupt and commanding; expecting to be obeyed immediately without discussion or question.

disembarked ▼

Got off a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle at the end of a journey.

shroud ▼

A cloth used to wrap a dead body; more broadly, something that covers or conceals completely.

despondency ▼

A state of deep sadness and loss of hope; feeling that things will not improve.

nosebag ▼

A bag fitted over a horse's nose and mouth, containing feed for the horse to eat while standing.

tethered ▼

Tied or fastened to a fixed point with a rope or chain, restricting how far one can move.

consciousness ▼

The state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings and thoughts; one's sense of self.

baptism of fire ▼

A first, difficult experience of something dangerous — especially battle; a tough introduction to a new and challenging situation.

stirrups ▼

Loops or rings that hang from a saddle, in which a rider places their feet for balance and support.

taut ▼

Stretched tight with no slack; also used to describe a tense, anxious, or highly strung state.

bivouacked ▼

Camped temporarily in the open air without proper shelter — typically used of soldiers in the field.

Questions

Overview

1

What was the atmosphere at the start of Chapter 6?

(2 marks)
2

Why were the horses feeling different to the men?

(2 marks)
3

What do they see when the boat docked?

(2 marks)
4

How is Joey treated throughout the chapter by the soldiers?

(3 marks)
5

What happened to Captain Nicholls?

(1 mark)

Deep Dive

6

What is the name of the horse that looks after Joey?

(1 mark)
7

How is Nicholls different to the other soldiers?

(2 marks)

Imagine

8

Imagine you are going into battle for the first time. How would you feel and what would you be most afraid of?

(15 marks)

Total: _____ / 28

Chapter Summary

What Happens

Joey arrives in Europe. The crossing is difficult, and the sight of injured soldiers returning home is troubling. They march for a long time, drawing ever closer to the sounds of war. Topthorn looks after and reassures Joey throughout. They encounter the enemy, but even though the battle is won, Captain Nicholls is lost. Joey experiences great terror. He stands with Topthorn afterwards and feels deeply homesick.