The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

By William Saroyan

William Saroyan (1908-1981) was an Armenian-American author and playwright known for his stories about ordinary people, often drawing from his Armenian heritage and personal experiences. His writing, filled with warmth, humor, and optimism, celebrates human resilience and the complexities of life. “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a short story about two boys, Aram and Mourad, who take a beautiful white horse for rides without the owner’s permission. The story highlights themes of innocence, family honor, and trust, while also reflecting on the boys’ sense of adventure and the moral dilemmas they face.

Q: You will probably agree that this story does not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what in your opinion makes it interesting?

Ans. “The Summer of the Beautiful White Hores” by William Saroyan is interesting due to its subtle exploration of themes like innocence, family honor, 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 of 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?

Ans. 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 honor deeply influenced the boys. Mourad, who had initially taken the horse, enjoyed the thrill and adventure but was 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?

Ans. 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 not to release the one that 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 up 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, and geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.

Ans. 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 behavior and values. Despite their financial struggles, the Garoghlanians maintain a sense of dignity and pride, particularly in their reputation for being trustworthy and honorable.

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 honor, 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.