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English | Class 11th | Snapshots | NCERT
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse | Lesson 1 | Summary | Questions and Answers |
Short Summary
“The Summer of
the Beautiful White Horse” by William Saroyan is a short story about two
Armenian-American boys, Aram and his older cousin Mourad, who belong to the
Garoghlanian family—a family known for its strict moral code and integrity.
Despite this reputation, the story begins with Mourad stealing a beautiful
white horse, which he and Aram then enjoy riding in secret.
Aram is torn between his admiration for the horse and his awareness
that taking it was wrong. Mourad, however, insists he “borrowed” the horse,
demonstrating his sense of adventure and desire for freedom. The boys hide and
ride the horse for a while, but eventually return it when they realize the harm
their actions could cause to the horse's true owner, a farmer named John Byro.
The story explores themes of innocence, family pride, and the complex nature of
morality.
Reading
With Insight
Question 1. You will probably agree that this story does
not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what in your opinion
makes it interesting?
Answer: Though The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse does not contain high-stakes action, it captivates readers through its exploration of innocence, family pride, and moral complexity. The characters of Aram and Mourad are layered with personality and childlike wonder. The story’s charm lies in the way it captures youthful innocence and the spirit of adventure, even in a seemingly simple act like riding a stolen horse. The moral dilemma that the boy’s face, balancing honesty with the joy of adventure, adds depth to the story, making it relatable and endearing.
Question 2. Did the boys return the horse because they
were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
Answer: The boys returned the horse primarily
because of their conscience. While they initially enjoyed the thrill of
“borrowing” it, they understood that keeping it was wrong. The Garoghlanian
family was known for its honesty and integrity, and this family reputation
weighed heavily on their minds. When they met John Byro, who recognized the
horse but did not accuse them outright, they felt a deeper sense of
accountability to uphold their family’s values, leading them to return the
horse.
Question 3. “One day back there in the good old days when
I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and
life was still a delightful and mysterious dream...” The story begins in a mood
of nostalgia. Can you narrate some incident from your childhood that might make
an interesting story?
Answer: In the spirit of nostalgia, one
memorable incident from my childhood involved a “secret clubhouse” my friends
and I built in a small wooded area near our neighbourhood. We spent days
gathering branches, leaves, and blankets to construct it, feeling as though we
had created a hidden world of our own. One day, while playing, we heard
rustling in the bushes, and to our excitement (and slight terror), a deer
wandered into our “clubhouse.” For us, it felt like the magic of nature
acknowledging our little creation, and it became a tale we retold for years.
Question 4. The story revolves around characters who
belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian
family. Now locate Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on
the Garoghlanian tribes. You may write about people, their names, traits, geographical
and economic features as suggested in the story.
Answer: The Garoghlanian family in the story is
an Armenian tribe. Armenia is located in the mountainous region of the South
Caucasus, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Historically,
Armenians, including tribal groups like the Garoghlanians, have endured periods
of migration and hardship, particularly due to conflicts in the area. Their
culture is rich, deeply rooted in family honour, pride, and loyalty.
In the story, the Garoghlanians are portrayed as honest, valuing
integrity and self-respect above all else. Mourad and Aram's personalities
embody this heritage. Their names reflect Armenian culture, and their family
values are cantered on morality and dignity. Economically, Armenian tribes
traditionally engaged in agriculture and trade, living modestly and valuing
strong community bonds, which are echoed in the Garoghlanian family’s
portrayal.
Try
This Out
“The horse stood on its hind legs, snorted, and burst into a fury of
speed that was the loveliest thing I had ever seen.” These lines could be an
artist’s delight. Try to draw a picture as depicted in the above lines.
Answer: Here’s an illustration of the majestic
white horse as described—a moment filled with power and grace as it rears up,
ready to burst into action. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments to
capture more of the scene’s emotion or details!
Leave your comment here.