The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” by William Saroyan is a story that vividly explores themes of innocence,integrity, and family honor through the eyes of a young boy named Aram.The narrative is set against the backdrop of an Armenian,American community, where honesty and family reputation are of paramount importance.The story centers around two boys, Aram and his older cousin Mourad,and their adventure involving a beautiful white horse.

The tale opens with nine year old Aram, the story’s narrator,recounting an unforgettable summer morning when Mourad arrived at his window on a magnificent white horse. Mourad,who was thirteen, was known for his wildness and unpredictability. Aram, awoken from sleep,could not believe his eyes; the horse was stunning, and his cousin Mourad looked like someone from a fairy tale. Aram, like everyone else in their extended family,revered Mourad,who was regarded as the craziest yet most honest member of the Garoghlanian family.

The Garoghlanian family was proud of its reputation for honesty.Their code of integrity had been upheld for generations,and it was the one thing that distinguished them, even in poverty. For them, to steal or lie was unthinkable. Thus,when Aram saw Mourad with a horse, his immediate reaction was one of disbelief,mingled with excitement.He tried to reason with himself that Mourad would not steal the horse because stealing was against their family’s code of honor.Yet,the reality of the horse being there in front of him sparked both curiosity and confusion in young Aram’s mind.

Mourad’s explanation for having the horse was vague.He simply told Aram that he had “a way with animals”. Although this did not make any sense to Aram, his trust in his cousin,coupled with his longing for adventure,led him to ignore his doubts. Aram rationalized that they could not be considered thieves unless they sold the horse or failed to return it.This small moral compromise allowed Aram to join in Mourad’s adventure.

Aram got on the horse behind Mourad,and the two set off.  Aram experienced a moment of sheer joy and exhilaration,feeling like a hero in an epic tale. Mourad then let Aram ride alone, but his excitement quickly turned to fear as he lost control of the horse.The horse threw Aram off and ran away but, Mourad’s confidence and calm demeanor helped Aram regain composure. Mourad, true to his words of having a “way with animals”, caught the horse after a short chase.

As the days went by, Mourad and Aram continued to enjoy their secret horse-riding escapades.During one of these rides,Aram came to know that the horse actually belonged to John Byro, a farmer from their village.John Byro was an acquaintance of Aram’s family and trusted them implicitly.The knowledge that the horse had been stolen from John Byro began to trouble Aram.He admired Mourad but was unsure how his cousin managed to ignore the fact that they were essentially committing a theft. Mourad’s behavior perplexed Aram, who admired his cousin’s carefree confidence but felt burdened by their family’s reputation.

One day,John Byro visited Aram’s house and spoke with Aram’s mother.He expressed sorrow over the loss of his horse and lamented the loss of trust in his neighbors. Byro never suspected the Garoghlanians,given their age old reputation for honesty.This conversation stirred conflicting emotions in Aram,who was now torn between the joy of their adventure and the guilt of violating his family’s moral code.He confided in Mourad, hinting at the need to return the horse, but Mourad was firm in his resolve to enjoy the horse for at least six more months.However, the seed of doubt was already planted in Mourad’s mind.

A few days later, while the boys were riding the horse, they encountered John Byro on the road. Byro scrutinized the horse closely, but refrained from accusing the boys. He merely commented on the uncanny resemblance between this horse and his own missing horse, and added that he would never question the honesty of the Garoghlanian family. Byro’s trust in their family had a profound impact on both Mourad and Aram. Mourad decided that it was time to return the horse, not out of fear of getting caught,but out of respect for their family’s values.

The very next morning, Mourad and Aram took the horse back to Byro’s vineyard. They left it in the barn, without being seen.When John Byro discovered the horse back in his barn,he was astonished.He came to visit Aram’s family once again, this time marveling at how his horse seemed stronger and better-behaved than ever.

The story ends with Aram cherishing the memory of their secret summer adventure.He learned that while dreams of freedom and joy were essential to life, values like integrity and honor were equally crucial in shaping one’s character. Through this incident,the boys affirmed their connection to their family’s legacy, choosing to uphold the Garoghlanian tradition of honesty.

Writer Saroyan’s story is a beautiful blend of innocence,adventure, and moral dilemmas.It depicts the charm of childhood fantasies while exploring the significance of trust and integrity in a community.The story subtly illustrates how one’s sense of right and wrong can be shaped by family values,even when the temptations of youth make one question them.

Snapeshot The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Conclusion

In conclusion,”The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” conveys the profound message of upholding honesty and integrity even when faced with temptations. The boys’ adventure with the stolen horse explores the delicate balance between youthful desires and moral principles,emphasizing the importance of family values and trust.Despite their momentary lapse,the boys ultimately choose to honor their family’s reputation,realising that true happiness comes from doing what is right. The story reminds us that honesty remains a cornerstone of character,no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.