A definition of a horse

In this story Dickens openly criticizes the school system of the Victorian Age. In those days there was no public school system: private individuals could freely establish schools. One example is Mr.Gradgrind, which opened a school in Coketown.
The style of the description of the character is very rigid. The sentences are short and sententious. All this shows very well the personality of Mr.Gradgrind, for which Dickens uses many mathematical and geometrical terms. He is a tough character, free of any imagination, typical expression of utilitarianism.
Mr.Gradgrind does not create a good relationship with his students. A new student, Sissy Jupe, first will be called 'number 22', then 'Cecilia Jupe', since his name is too popular. When he learned that the father of Sissy makes the farrier, Mr.Gradgrind asks the definition of a horse, she will not respond. Answers his classmate, who uses terms unrealistic for a child.
The two children are the opposite: Sissy has dark hair with eyes blacks, while his partner is blond with blue eyes, indicating the opposition (as between good and evil).