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?
2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
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?
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.

Accepted Answer

1. The story is interesting not because of fast-paced action but because of its portrayal of innocence, family values, and the unique bond between the boys and the horse. The subtle humor and the moral dilemma add depth to the narrative.

2. The boys returned the horse not out of fear but because of their strong sense of honesty and family reputation. Despite their love for the horse, they respected the truth and the owner's rights.

3. (Sample answer) An incident from childhood that might make an interesting story could be about a memorable festival, a childhood adventure, or a lesson learned from a mistake. For example, a time when I helped a lost pet find its way home, which taught me about kindness and responsibility.

4. Armenia and Assyria are regions in the Near East. The Garoghlanian family, as depicted, are honest and proud people with a strong sense of family honor. They live in a rural setting, possibly involved in farming or animal husbandry. Their traits include honesty, courage, and a deep connection to their heritage and land. — Each question requires reflective and analytical answers based on the story's themes and characters. The first question asks for interpretation of what makes the story engaging despite lack of action. The second probes the boys' motivations, emphasizing moral values. The third invites personal narrative connecting to the story's nostalgic tone. The fourth requires geographical research and understanding of cultural context, linking it to the story's background.

Question 2

"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.

Accepted Answer

This is a creative drawing task. The student should illustrate a horse rearing on its hind legs, showing energy and speed, with expressive features like flared nostrils (snorting) and a dynamic posture that conveys motion and beauty. The drawing should capture the vivid imagery and emotion described in the lines. — The question encourages visualization and artistic expression based on the descriptive text. It helps students connect literature with art by interpreting the scene creatively.

Question 3

Who are the main characters in the story "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan?

Accepted Answer

Aram and Mourad — The story centers around two poor Armenian boys, Aram and his cousin Mourad, who belong to the Garoghlanian family. They are the main characters through whose eyes the story unfolds.

Question 4

What is the hallmark trait of the Garoghlanian family to which Aram and Mourad belong?

Accepted Answer

Honesty and trust — The Garoghlanian family is famous for their honesty and trustworthiness, a reputation they have maintained for about eleven centuries.

Question 5

At what time did Mourad come to Aram's house to show him the white horse?

Accepted Answer

Four in the morning — Mourad woke Aram at four in the morning tapping on his window to show him the beautiful white horse.

Question 6

Why was Aram initially unable to believe that Mourad had a white horse?

Accepted Answer

Because they were poor and could not afford a horse — Aram knew their family was very poor and could not have bought a horse, so he found it hard to believe Mourad had one.

Question 7

What was Aram's earliest longing as a child?

Accepted Answer

To ride a horse — Aram's earliest memories and longings were about horses and his desire to ride one.

Question 8

What was Aram's reaction when Mourad invited him to ride the white horse?

Accepted Answer

He was excited but cautious — Aram was thrilled to ride the horse but was cautious because he suspected Mourad had stolen it, which conflicted with their family values.

Question 9

How does the story describe Mourad's personality compared to others in their family?

Accepted Answer

He is considered crazy but full of life — Mourad is described as the 'crazy' member of the family, full of enthusiasm and joy for life, unlike others who may be more serious.

Question 10

What is the significance of the uncle Khosrove's character in the story?

Accepted Answer

He represents the family's temper and impatience — Uncle Khosrove is a large, irritable man known for his roaring temper, symbolizing the family's strong and sometimes harsh personality traits.

Question 11

What does Mourad mean when he says he has 'a way with a horse'?

Accepted Answer

He can communicate and control horses easily — Mourad claims to have an understanding with horses, allowing him to control and calm them effectively.

Question 12

What happened when Aram tried to ride the horse alone for the first time?

Accepted Answer

The horse ran wildly and threw him off — Aram initially could not control the horse; it ran down the road, leaped over vines, and threw him off before running away.

Question 13

How did Mourad and Aram find the horse after it escaped during Aram’s ride?

Accepted Answer

They split up and searched different paths — Mourad and Aram separated to cover more ground and find the horse after it ran away.

Question 14

Where did Mourad and Aram hide the horse after recovering it?

Accepted Answer

In the barn of a deserted vineyard owned by Fetvajian — They hid the horse in the barn of a deserted vineyard which once belonged to a farmer named Fetvajian.

Question 15

What promise did Mourad make about the horse's return?

Accepted Answer

To return the horse within six months — Mourad promised that the horse must go back to its true owner, and that it would be returned within six months at the latest.

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse William Saroyan

The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse William Saroyan — Study Notes

Introduction to The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

The Arrival of the White Horse and the Boys’ Dilemma

The Ride and Mourad’s Wild Spirit

Practice Questions — The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse William Saroyan

All 5 Chapters in Snapshots Suppl.Reader English