The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
By William Saroyan
Q:
You will probably agree that this story does not have breathless adventure and
exciting action. Then what in your opinion makes it interesting?
“The
Summer of the Beautiful White Hores” by William Saroyan is interesting due to
its subtle exploration of themes like innocence, family honour, and the clash
between reality and ideals. The story’s charm lies in its vivid depiction of
the characters, particularly the young boys, Mourad and Aram, who are part of
the Armenian Garoghlanian tribe. Their innocence and idealism, combined with
the backdrop of a strong family code of honesty, create a compelling narrative.
The moral dilemmas they face, their imaginative adventures, and the depiction
fo their close-knit community add layers of depth and relatability. The story’s
nostalgic tone and the portrayal of childhood wonder make it resonate with
readers, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences.
Q:
Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because
they were afraid?
The
boys, particularly Mourad, returned the horse primarily because they were
conscience-stricken. The Garoghlanian family prided itself on its honesty,
despite its poverty. The weight of this family honour deeply influenced the
boys. Mourad, who had initially taken the horse, enjoyed the thrill and
adventure but ultimately guided by his sense of right and wrong. Aram, though
captivated by the horse, was also aware of the family’s reputation for honesty.
The fear of getting caught might have been a factor, but it was the realization
that keeping the horse went against their family’s values that drove them to
return it.
Q:
“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?
When
I was about three years old, we were living in our ancestral home in a village.
We have some goats and hens. One of the hens stopped laying eggs. I listened to
my aunts about it and was filled with strange ambition. The next day, when my
grandmother released the hens from their small shed, I asked my grandmother to
not release the one which did not lay eggs. She did so but when I was not
around, she released the hen. When I saw the hen released, I caught it and put
it back in the shed. Then again, someone released it. This locking and
unlocking of the hen in the coop continued the whole day. In the afternoon, I
locked the hen in the coop and decided to sit right next to it so that no one
would release it. In the evening, when it was time for the rest of the hens to
be locked inside the coop, one of my aunts unlocked the coop. I went inside the
coop, and to my delight, the hen had laid an egg. I was shouting in great
excitement and picked the egg and started running in the yard shouting “the hen
had laid an egg”. Everyone was amused and they were laughing at my excitement.
My mother made an omelette of that egg for me and I ate with great joy and
satisfaction. A satisfaction of mission accomplished.
Q:
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.
The
Garoghlanian tribe, to which Mourad and Aram belong, is depicted as a small,
close-knit community of Armenian descent. The tribe is known for its strict
adherence to honesty, even in the face of poverty. The characters in the story
are proud of their heritage, which is reflected in their behaviour and values.
Despite their financial struggles, the Garoghlanians maintain a sense of
dignity and pride, particularly in their reputation for being trustworthy and
honourable.
Armenia,
historically located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, has a rich
cultural and historical background. It is bordered by Turkey, Georgia,
Azerbaijan, and Iran. The Armenian people have a deep connection to their land,
language, and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. The
Garoghlanian tribe, as depicted in the story, represents this enduring spirit,
showcasing the importance of family honour, community ties, and cultural pride.
The
landscape of Armenia, with its mountains and valleys, is reflected in the
story’s setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a connection to nature.
Economically, the characters in the story live a modest life, relying on their
honesty and hard work to get by. Their simple lifestyle is contrasted with
their rich cultural heritage, which is a source of strength and identity for
them. The Garghlanian tribe, though not wealthy, is rich in values and
traditions, which guide the characters’ actions throughout the story.
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