Class 11 English Notes Chapter 1 (The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse) – Snapshots Suppl. Reader English Book

Alright class, let's turn our attention to the first chapter of our Snapshots book, "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan. This is a charming story, but it also carries deeper themes often explored in examinations. Pay close attention to the details regarding characters, setting, plot, and underlying messages.

Chapter 1: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse - Detailed Notes

Author: William Saroyan (An Armenian-American novelist, playwright, and short story writer)

Setting:

• San Joaquin Valley, California, USA.
• Focuses on a community of impoverished Armenian immigrants.
• Time: Likely early 20th century (implied by horse transport, farming methods). The story evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.

Characters:

1. Aram Garoghlanian:

   • The narrator of the story.
   • Nine years old at the time of the events.
   • Belongs to the Garoghlanian tribe, known for its poverty and honesty for centuries.
   • Initially shocked and delighted by the sight of the horse.
   • Represents innocence and the internal conflict between desire (riding the horse) and family values (honesty).
   • Looks up to his older cousin, Mourad.

2. Mourad Garoghlanian:

   • Aram's cousin, thirteen years old.
   • Considered 'crazy' by everyone except Aram; inherits this streak from their Uncle Khosrove.
   • Impulsive, adventurous, and has a deep connection and understanding ("a way") with animals, especially the horse.
   • He is the one who takes the horse. He rationalizes it not as stealing but as 'borrowing' for riding, highlighting a youthful justification that skirts the edges of dishonesty.
   • Lives life with enthusiasm ("zest for life").

3. Uncle Khosrove:

   • An enormous man with a powerful head of black hair and a large moustache.
   • Known for his irritable, impatient, and booming nature.
   • His catchphrase: "It is no harm; pay no attention to it." He uses this regardless of the situation (e.g., his house being on fire, his son running eight blocks to tell him).
   • Represents an eccentric, perhaps older, Armenian temperament. Mourad is considered his natural descendant in spirit.

4. John Byro:

   • An Assyrian farmer.
   • The legitimate owner of the beautiful white horse.
   • Speaks Armenian out of loneliness in a new country.
   • Portrayed as a trusting and good-natured man.
   • His surrey (a horse-drawn carriage) is useless without his horse.
   • His interaction with the boys towards the end is crucial – he recognizes his horse but doesn't accuse them, respecting their family's reputation for honesty.

5. The Garoghlanian Tribe:

   • An Armenian tribe known for two key traits: Poverty and Honesty.
   • Their pride is deeply rooted in their reputation for honesty, which has been maintained for centuries.
   • This reputation forms the central conflict for Aram when Mourad appears with the horse. Stealing is unthinkable for a Garoghlanian.

Plot Summary:

1. The Arrival: One early summer morning, Mourad arrives at Aram's window with a beautiful white horse.
2. The Dilemma: Aram is thrilled but also questions how Mourad got the horse, knowing their family's poverty. He concludes Mourad must have stolen it, which conflicts with the family's reputation for honesty.
3. The Justification: Mourad implies it isn't stealing if they are only taking it for rides and intend to return it. Aram, captivated by the horse, pushes aside his doubts.
4. The Rides: The cousins enjoy riding the horse in the countryside. Mourad rides expertly; Aram struggles and gets thrown off.
5. Hiding the Horse: They hide the horse in the barn of a deserted vineyard owned by farmer Fetvajian.
6. Uncle Khosrove's Character: Aram visits Mourad and meets Uncle Khosrove, whose eccentric behaviour and catchphrase ("It is no harm; pay no attention to it") are highlighted.
7. John Byro's Visit: Farmer John Byro visits Aram's house, complaining to Aram's mother about his stolen white horse (missing for a month). Uncle Khosrove dismisses his concerns with his usual roar.
8. Conscience Pricked: Aram runs to Mourad, tells him about Byro, and makes Mourad promise to keep the horse only until Aram learns to ride properly. Mourad initially suggests a year, but they agree not to keep it longer than six months (implicitly acknowledging the wrong).
9. The Encounter: After two weeks, while returning the horse to its hiding place, they encounter John Byro on the road.
10. The Recognition & Trust: Byro carefully examines the horse. He comments on its resemblance to his stolen horse, even checking its teeth. However, knowing the boys' family and their reputation for honesty, he states, "A suspicious man would believe his eyes instead of his heart. Your family is famed for honesty... I would swear it is my horse if I didn't know your parents." He lets them go, calling the horse the "twin" of his own.
11. The Return: Shaken by the encounter and pricked by their conscience (and Byro's trust), the boys return the horse to John Byro's vineyard barn the next morning.
12. Resolution: Later that day, John Byro visits Aram's house again, overjoyed, showing the returned horse, which he claims is now "stronger than ever" and "better-tempered". Uncle Khosrove, predictably, shouts, "Quiet, man, quiet. Your horse has been returned. Pay no attention to it."

Themes:

• Honesty vs. Desire: The central conflict revolves around the Garoghlanian reputation for honesty clashing with the boys' desire to experience the joy of riding the beautiful horse.
• Family Pride and Reputation: The story emphasizes the importance of the Garoghlanian family's honour, which ultimately influences the boys' actions and John Byro's reaction.
• Innocence and Coming-of-Age: It explores the world through a child's perspective (Aram), grappling with moral complexities for the first time. The 'borrowing' represents a step away from childhood innocence.
• Adventure and Freedom: The horse symbolizes freedom, beauty, and the thrill of adventure for the impoverished boys.
• Cultural Identity: The story subtly portrays the life and values of the Armenian immigrant community.
• Rationalization: Mourad's justification for taking the horse ("It wouldn't become stealing until we offered to sell the horse") is a key element of youthful rationalization.

Significance of the Title:

• "The Summer" signifies a specific, memorable period of childhood adventure and learning.
• "The Beautiful White Horse" points to the central element that triggers the events and represents beauty, desire, freedom, and the moral dilemma.

Key Takeaway for Exams: Understand the core conflict between the family's defining traits (poverty, honesty) and the temptation presented by the horse. Analyze the characters of Aram, Mourad, Uncle Khosrove, and John Byro, and their roles in developing the plot and themes. Remember the significance of John Byro's decision not to accuse the boys.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. The Garoghlanian tribe was known for which two defining characteristics?
   a) Wealth and Bravery
   b) Poverty and Honesty
   c) Intelligence and Craftsmanship
   d) Farming skills and Generosity

2. Who is the narrator of the story "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse"?
   a) Mourad
   b) Uncle Khosrove
   c) John Byro
   d) Aram

3. What was Uncle Khosrove's customary reaction to any problem or crisis?
   a) "Let me handle this."
   b) "It is no harm; pay no attention to it."
   c) "We must investigate immediately."
   d) "Consult the elders."

4. Where did Mourad hide the white horse?
   a) In his own backyard
   b) In Aram's house
   c) In the barn of a deserted vineyard
   d) In a cave near the river

5. According to Mourad, when would taking the horse be considered stealing?
   a) If they kept it for more than a month
   b) If they rode it outside the valley
   c) If they offered to sell it
   d) If they didn't feed it properly

6. What was the name of the farmer whose horse was taken by Mourad?
   a) Fetvajian
   b) Zorab
   c) Dikran Halabian
   d) John Byro

7. Why did John Byro not accuse the boys when he encountered them with the horse?
   a) He wasn't sure it was his horse.
   b) He was afraid of Uncle Khosrove.
   c) He trusted their family's reputation for honesty.
   d) The boys threatened him.

8. Mourad was considered the natural descendant, in spirit, of which family member?
   a) His father, Zorab
   b) His cousin, Aram
   c) His Uncle Khosrove
   d) His grandfather

9. What change did John Byro notice in his horse after it was returned?
   a) It was slightly injured.
   b) It was thinner and weaker.
   c) It was stronger and better-tempered.
   d) It seemed afraid of him.

10. The story is set in which location?
    a) Armenia
    b) The San Joaquin Valley, California
    c) New York City
    d) Rural England

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b) Poverty and Honesty
2. d) Aram
3. b) "It is no harm; pay no attention to it."
4. c) In the barn of a deserted vineyard
5. c) If they offered to sell it
6. d) John Byro
7. c) He trusted their family's reputation for honesty.
8. c) His Uncle Khosrove
9. c) It was stronger and better-tempered.
10. b) The San Joaquin Valley, California

Study these notes carefully. Understanding the nuances of character motivation and the central themes will be beneficial for your exams. Let me know if any part needs further clarification.