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"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" is a short story written by William Saroyan, included in the Class 11 English syllabus. It’s a heartwarming tale about two boys, Aram and Mourad, and their love for adventure, dreams, and values. The story highlights themes like innocence, honesty, and family pride, set against the backdrop of the Armenian community.
The story begins with Aram, a nine-year-old boy, waking up to find his cousin Mourad at his window. Mourad is known in their family as an adventurous and daring boy. To Aram’s surprise, Mourad has brought a beautiful white horse. Aram is thrilled but also puzzled because they belong to a poor Armenian family, and it’s impossible for Mourad to afford such a horse.
Despite his confusion, Aram agrees to ride the horse with Mourad. The two cousins take turns riding the horse, enjoying the thrill and beauty of the moment. However, Aram cannot stop wondering how Mourad got the horse. When Aram asks him, Mourad avoids giving a clear answer and claims he has a "way with animals."
Later, Aram learns that Mourad "borrowed" the horse from a wealthy farmer named John Byro. Mourad had kept the horse for two weeks, feeding and taking care of it. However, Mourad is not a thief; in their Armenian family, honesty is considered a sacred value. Mourad insists that he will return the horse once they’ve had their fun.
One day, they encounter John Byro, who recognizes the horse but does not accuse them of stealing. Instead, he comments on how much the horse looks like his own but says he trusts the honesty of their family. Mourad is deeply affected by this trust and decides to return the horse the very next day.
The story ends with the cousins secretly taking the horse back to John Byro’s barn. The horse is returned without anyone knowing, and John Byro later comments on how much stronger and better behaved the horse has become.
The story revolves around two Armenian boys, Aram and Mourad, who "borrow" a beautiful white horse from a farmer named John Byro. It is a tale of childhood innocence, adventure, and the moral values of honesty and family pride.
Aram: The narrator, a nine-year-old boy who loves adventure but values family honor.
Mourad: Aram's cousin, known for his daring and carefree nature.
John Byro: A wealthy farmer who owns the white horse and trusts the honesty of Aram’s family
The story teaches the importance of honesty, integrity, and upholding family values. It shows that doing the right thing is more important than satisfying momentary desires.