The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse: Important Questions & Answers

Here is a detailed set of important exam-focused questions and answers for the first chapter of Class 11 English, "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan, curated for clear understanding and quick revision.

Key Concepts and Chapter Summary

• The story revolves around two poor Armenian boys, Aram (the narrator) and his cousin Mourad, from the honest Garoghlanian family.
• Mourad steals a horse to fulfill their childhood longing for riding, but their family’s reputation for honesty makes the act more complex than ordinary theft.
• The narrative explores themes of honesty, family pride, childhood innocence, adventure, and moral dilemmas.

MCQs

1. Who says “I have a way with a horse”?

A) Aram

B) Mourad

C) Uncle Khosrove

D) John Byro.

Answer: B.

2. Where was the horse hidden?

A) Aram’s barn

B) Fetvajian’s deserted vineyard barn

C) John Byro’s stable

D) Uncle Khosrove’s house.

Answer: B

3. The family’s reputation is for

A) wealth

B) dishonesty

C) honesty

D) bravery.

Answer: C.

4. John Byro is

A) an Assyrian farmer

B) Mourad’s friend

C) Aram’s uncle

D) a shopkeeper.

Answer: A.

5. Uncle Khosrove’s catchphrase is —

A) “Pay attention”

B) “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.”

C) “Return the horse”

D) “I have a way.”

Answer: B.

Very Important Questions and Answers

1. Why is the Garoghlanian family considered different from others in the valley?

Ans. The Garoghlanian family is famous for its honesty and integrity, traits held for centuries, even through extreme poverty.

2. Why couldn’t Aram believe what he saw when Mourad woke him up at dawn?

Ans. Aram could not believe Mourad had a horse because their family was very poor and no one could afford such a luxury; also, their reputation ruled out stealing in his mind.

3. How did the boys justify keeping the horse?

Ans. Aram and Mourad convinced themselves that “stealing a horse for a ride is not the same as stealing for sale;” they intended to return it, thus excusing their conscience.

4. What role does Uncle Khosrove play in the story?

Ans. Uncle Khosrove is known for his explosive temper and his repeated catchphrase “It is no harm, pay no attention to it,” which he uses even in serious situations, adding humor and highlighting the quirky family dynamics.

5. How did the incident with John Byro bring the boys’ conscience to the forefront?

Ans. When John Byro, the real owner, meets the boys and mentions the family’s fame for honesty, they feel ashamed and are compelled to return the horse, valuing honor over adventure.

6. Why did the dogs not bark at Aram and Mourad when they returned the horse?

Ans. Mourad claims to have a “way with dogs,” implying his natural, gentle rapport with animals, also symbolizing innocence and good intent.

7. What is the main message of the story?

Ans. The story underlines that real honesty and integrity are more valuable than momentary pleasure or adventure, even for innocent children.

8. Discuss the symbolism of the white horse in the chapter.

Ans. The white horse represents freedom, childhood longings, and later, the responsibility of making the right moral choice.

9. Theme: Pride, honesty and childhood innocence — explain with examples.

Ans. The story “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” beautifully explores the themes of pride, honesty, and childhood innocence. The Garoghlanian family’s honesty is their greatest pride, as seen when John Byro trusts them despite the evidence. Mourad and Aram, driven by innocent longing, take a horse not to steal but to fulfill childhood dreams. Their actions reflect moral confusion, but family values win in the end when guilt prompts them to return the horse. The boys’ rationalizations, Mourad’s “crazy streak,” and their delight in adventure highlight innocence, while their final decision to uphold the family’s honor demonstrates the lasting impact of pride and honesty on even the youngest members.

10. Extract: “I have a way with a horse.” — Explain its significance.

Ans. Mourad’s repeated claim sums his charm and skill with animals; it explains how he calms and handles horses (and even farmers) and shows his deep bond with animals, which motivates his behaviour and wins trust.

11. Extract: “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.” — Tone & effect.

Ans. Uttered by Uncle Khosrove, the line reveals his brusque stoicism and dark humour; it downplays others’ concerns (the stolen horse, lost homeland), highlighting adult indifference and the contrast between grown-ups’ resignation and children’s conscience.

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