Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan) Theme

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 1 – The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (William Saroyan)

Theme

The primary themes explored in "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" revolve around the conflict between emotions and rationality, as well as the significance of character and reputation.

 

Conflict Between Emotions and Rationality:

Throughout the narrative, Aram and Mourad grapple with the tension between their emotions and logical reasoning. Initially, when Aram witnesses Mourad riding the white horse, his reason tells him that Mourad must have stolen it, given their family's financial constraints. However, Aram's emotional attachment to his family's honesty leads him to resist accepting this possibility. Desiring to ride the horse himself, Aram starts justifying their actions, finding ways to reconcile their actions with the family's truthful reputation. The boys consistently make decisions based on emotions rather than sound reasoning, exemplified by Mourad's belief that keeping the horse for six months isn't theft, while a year would be.

In a pivotal encounter with John Byro towards the story's conclusion, Byro opts not to accuse the boys of theft, choosing to "believe with his eyes instead of his heart." This decision reflects a preference for faith over reason, as he allows the boys to go free. Symbolically, when Mourad names the horse "My Heart," it underscores the boys' reliance on their emotions rather than rationality to justify keeping and riding the horse. Byro's remarks to the boys ultimately dispel their emotional justifications, prompting them to return the horse the following day.

 

Significance of Character and Reputation:

The Garoghlanians take great pride in their commitment to honesty, even amidst dire poverty. Despite their economic struggles, they refrain from stealing, prioritizing the importance of integrity over material gain and safeguarding their esteemed reputation.

Aram and Mourad largely uphold this reputation, albeit with a temporary deviation when they take the horse. However, they refrain from outright theft and construct justifications for their actions. When John Byro's remarks about their family's honest reputation sow seeds of guilt, the boys promptly reassess their justifications and return the horse. Their unwillingness to be labeled as thieves or tarnish their family's legacy underscores the significance they attach to their character and reputation.

Ultimately, the Garoghlanian family's commitment to honesty becomes a saving grace for Aram and Mourad. Byro, observing the striking resemblance between the horse they are riding and his own, chooses to trust the boys based on the honest reputation of their family. Whether or not Byro is aware that the horse was stolen, he refrains from accusing the boys, expressing satisfaction with the horse's improved condition. In a reciprocal manner, Byro's own gentle character pays off, as his trust in the boys' integrity prevents him from reporting the incident to their parents, and the horse is returned promptly the next day.