The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse"

By William Saroyan

“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a touching story about two Armenian boys, Aram and his cousin Mourad, and their love for adventure, horses, and honesty. The story is narrated by Aram, who looks back on a memorable summer of his childhood when he was just 9 years old.

Aram belongs to the Garoghlanian tribe, a poor but proud Armenian family that is known for its strict values of honesty and integrity. Despite facing extreme poverty for generations, the Garoghlanians are respected because they never steal or lie.

One morning, Aram is surprised to see Mourad riding a beautiful white horse outside his window. He cannot believe his eyes because they are too poor to own a horse. However, Mourad insists that they haven’t stolen it but merely "borrowed" it. Aram, though puzzled, agrees to go for a ride. He is filled with joy and excitement, as riding a horse had been his lifelong dream.

Mourad hides the horse in a deserted barn near a vineyard and the boys ride it every morning. Mourad, who is a little eccentric and considered to have inherited the "craziness" of their Uncle Khosrove, is also gifted with a special bond with animals. He can calm birds, dogs, and horses easily.

After a few days, they find out that the horse belongs to John Byro, an Armenian farmer who is known to their family. John Byro tells Aram’s uncle that his horse has been stolen. Interestingly, when he later sees the boys with the horse, he chooses not to accuse them, saying instead that a member of the Garoghlanian family could never steal, and the resemblance of the horse must be a coincidence.

This silent expression of trust and moral strength has a deep impact on Mourad. He realises the importance of the family's reputation and decides to return the horse secretly to John Byro’s barn. The next morning, John Byro finds his horse back. He is happy and surprised to find the horse healthier and better-tempered than before.

Themes

a. Moral Integrity vs. Temptation:
At the heart of the story lies the theme of honesty. The Garoghlanians are known for never stealing—so Mourad’s theft seems contradictory. Yet, the boys’ intentions aren’t malicious; they merely wish to enjoy the beauty of the horse. This raises questions about moral absolutism vs. childlike innocence and passion.

b. Coming of Age:
Aram’s internal conflict about whether riding a stolen horse is truly “stealing” marks a coming-of-age moment. His struggle represents the gradual shift from innocent imagination to moral reasoning.

c. Fantasy vs. Reality:
The story flirts with magical realism through Aram’s perception of the horse ride: it feels dreamlike and surreal. The horse becomes a symbol of freedom, escape, and youthful fantasy, contrasting with the rigid ethics of adult society.

d. Family and Heritage:
The Garoghlanian family’s reputation is a point of pride. Mourad and Aram both grapple with living up to this legacy while embracing their personal desires. This reflects cultural identity and the burden of family expectations.

Character Analysis

• Aram (Narrator): Innocent, thoughtful, and reflective. He represents the voice of reason but is also enchanted by adventure and beauty. His moral conflict drives the story.

• Mourad: A symbol of spontaneity, passion, and rebellion. Called “crazy” like his Uncle Khosrove, Mourad is a romantic figure, in love with life, animals, and freedom.

• Uncle Khosrove: His loud, dismissive attitude (“It is no harm. Pay no attention to it.”) adds comic relief and illustrates the family's eccentric nature.

• John Byro: The rightful owner of the horse, he embodies forgiveness and trust. He doesn’t accuse the boys outright, instead appeals to their conscience by expressing faith in their family's honor.

Setting

• The rural Armenian landscape adds warmth, simplicity, and a sense of timelessness to the story.
• The setting reflects the natural innocence and freedom that the horse symbolizes.

Tone & Style

• The tone is nostalgic, gentle, and humorous, reflecting a fond remembrance of childhood.
• Saroyan’s style is simple yet lyrical, filled with childlike wonder and quiet philosophical depth.

Symbolism:

• The White Horse: Represents freedom, beauty, dreams, and the untamed spirit of youth. It also stands for moral temptation—a test of values.
• Summer: A metaphor for the fleeting nature of innocence and childhood joy.

Conclusion

“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a rich narrative that beautifully captures the moral complexities of growing up. Through the story of two boys and a stolen horse, Saroyan explores the innocence of youth, cultural values, and the internal tug-of-war between desire and conscience. The tale resonates as a gentle yet profound exploration of what it means to do right—especially when no one is watching.