In Geraldine Brooks' critically acclaimed novel Horse, Captain Willa Viley is a pivotal character, representing a historical figure deeply intertwined with the story of the legendary 19th-century racehorse, Lexington.
Understanding Captain Willa Viley's Role
Captain Willa Viley in Horse is the owner of the celebrated racehorse Lexington, playing a significant role in the horse's life and career. The character is directly inspired by the real Captain Willa Viley of Kentucky, a prominent figure in the mid-19th century American thoroughbred racing world.
Her portrayal in the novel illuminates key aspects of the era, including the complex dynamics of horse breeding, training, and the societal structures of the time.
Relationship with Enslaved Individuals and Horse Training
A crucial element of Captain Viley's story, both historically and in the novel, is her relationship with an enslaved man named Lewis (whose fictional counterpart in the book is Jarret). This relationship highlights the reliance of the equestrian elite on the skilled labor of enslaved individuals.
Key details regarding Captain Willa Viley's historical interactions, which inform her character in the novel, include:
- Purchase of Enslaved Labor: Captain Willa Viley of Kentucky purchased the enslaved Lewis. This act underscores the pervasive nature of slavery in the South and its direct connection to economic activities, including horse racing.
- Granting of Freedom: Notably, Viley later accorded Lewis legal freedom. This decision, while not typical for the period, showcases a more nuanced, albeit still power-imbalanced, relationship between owner and enslaved person.
- Continued Employment and Expertise: Even after granting Lewis his freedom, Captain Viley recognized and valued his exceptional talent. She continued to pay Lewis to leverage his expertise, specifically for training her horses for competition. This arrangement underscores the vital role of skilled African American horsemen in the success of renowned racehorses.
This historical context, brought to life through Captain Willa Viley's character in Horse, provides a powerful lens through which the novel explores themes of freedom, ownership, race, and the enduring legacy of figures like Lexington.
Character Connections in Horse
To better understand Captain Willa Viley's place within the narrative of Horse, consider her connections to other key figures and the horse itself:
| Character/Figure | Historical Basis | Relationship to Viley/Horses | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Willa Viley | Captain Willa Viley of Kentucky | Owner of the celebrated racehorse Lexington; employer of enslaved then freed Lewis (Jarret) | A central figure in the horse racing and breeding world; represents aspects of slaveholding society and the transition to paid labor. |
| Jarret | Enslaved Lewis | Enslaved groom and gifted horse trainer for Viley's horses, including Lexington. | Embodies the immense, often uncredited, contributions of enslaved individuals to the success of thoroughbred racing. |
| Lexington | The real-life champion racehorse Lexington | Viley's prized possession and the central animal character of the novel. | One of the most successful racehorses and sires in American history, around whom the novel's various timelines and characters converge. |
Through the intricate relationships between these characters, Geraldine Brooks' Horse offers a deeply researched and compelling narrative that brings a significant period of American equestrian history to life.
