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

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

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

Long Question answers

Question 1:

Describe the boys' joyride early one morning in your own words.

 

Answer:

In the early morning, at around 4 a.m., Mourad, a member of the honest Garoghlanian tribe, woke up Aram by tapping on his window. Aram, surprised to see a beautiful white horse, quickly realized it wasn't a dream. Mourad had come to invite him for a joyride. Without much thought about right or wrong, Aram jumped out of the window onto the horse behind Mourad. They explored vineyards, orchards, irrigation ditches, and country roads behind Aram's house, eventually reaching Olive Avenue. The fresh morning air invigorated them. Mourad, known for his eccentricity, sang as they made the horse run to their heart's content.

Mourad later rode the horse alone, commanding it with enthusiasm. When Aram wanted his turn, the horse initially refused to move until Mourad instructed him to kick its muscles. However, Aram struggled to control the horse and was thrown off, prompting the horse to run away. After a half-hour search, Mourad found the horse, and together they hid it in Fetvajian's deserted barn. Mourad's unique ability to tame the horse was evident. Both boys returned home, and Aram, having fulfilled his dream of riding a horse, enjoyed a hearty breakfast.

 

Question 2:

Compare and contrast the characters of Mourad and Aram.

 

Answer:

In "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse," two central characters are Mourad and Aram. Aram, the narrator, is portrayed as a simple and straightforward individual. Mourad, on the other hand, is a more complex character with a unique connection to animals. Mourad, thirteen years old and four years older than Aram, is perceived as "crazy" by those who know him, but the narrator sees a different side of him one day.

Despite their poor backgrounds, both boys share a genuine friendship. Mourad surprises Aram by bringing a white horse, showcasing his inclination towards simplicity and generosity. Both agree not to sell the horse, considering it's not theft until they decide to sell it. However, their differing reactions to the revelation of the horse's true owner highlight their individual characteristics.

Mourad, with his mysterious ways and affinity for animals, proves to be an enigmatic and intriguing character. He displays a deep understanding of birds and animals, heals a hurt wing of a young robin, and possesses a peculiar ability to tame horses. Aram, while not as eccentric as Mourad, reveals his compassionate side when he pleads with Mourad to keep the horse for a year before returning it.

Overall, Mourad's eccentricities and unique connection with nature set him apart, while Aram represents a more straightforward and compassionate perspective. The two characters complement each other, creating a dynamic and engaging dynamic in the narrative.

 

Question 3:

The story revolves around the characters that 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.

 

Answer:

The Garoghlanian tribes were historically situated across Assyria and Armenia in the Asian continent, spanning the period from 500 B.C. to 800 B.C. These tribes primarily engaged in farming, leading a simple and contented life. Renowned for their honesty and trustworthiness, the Garoghlanians upheld a moral code that discouraged stealing and prioritized integrity.

The people of the Garoghlanian tribes had distinct names, reflecting their cultural identity. Traits such as honesty, trust, and a connection with nature were hallmarks of their character. Economic prosperity and material gain were not their primary concerns; instead, they embraced a peaceful and modest lifestyle.

Geographically, the Garoghlanians inhabited the regions of Assyria and Armenia, surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscapes. They found contentment in their easygoing existence and demonstrated a commitment to peaceful coexistence with others in the world.

The Garoghlanian tribes, as depicted in the story, serve as a representation of a community with strong moral values, simplicity, and a deep connection to nature. The story highlights the enduring legacy of these tribes, emphasizing the importance of character and reputation within their cultural context.

 

Question 4:

The narrator’s uncle Khosrove was known to be a crazy fellow. Give a few instances of his craziness?

 

Answer.

The narrator's uncle Khosrove, a massive man with an imposing mustache, earned a reputation for eccentricity among those who knew him. His temperament was characterized by fury and impatience, and he had a tendency to easily get annoyed. He was not one to tolerate others expressing their opinions, often silencing them with a thunderous roar. A peculiar incident exemplifying his eccentricity occurred when his house caught fire. Despite his son rushing to the barber's shop to deliver the urgent news, Khosrove nonchalantly dismissed the situation, roaring, "It is no harm; pay no attention to it." Moreover, when John spoke about his stolen horse, Khosrove, irritated, abruptly left the room. Overall, his behavior marked him as a unique and unpredictable character.

 

Question 5:

Why did Mourad steal the horse? How did Aram and Mourad realize their mistake?

 

Answer.

 Mourad, inheriting the Garoghlanian family's "crazy streak," had an innate passion for horse riding, prompting him to steal the beautiful white horse. His love for riding and a lack of financial means led him to disregard the tribe's esteemed value of honesty. Inviting his cousin Aram to join in the horse riding escapade, Mourad indulged in this secret pleasure for a month alone and an additional two weeks with Aram. However, the realization of their mistake dawned on them when Aram shared John Byro's distress about the stolen horse. A chance encounter with John Byro, who did not suspect them of theft, further intensified their realization. Fearing damage to the family's reputation for honesty and trust, the boys promptly returned the horse.

 

Question 6:

How did Aram and Mourad enjoy their time with the horse? What happened when they met John Byro?

 

Answer.

 Aram and Mourad relished early morning rides on the beautiful white horse, hidden in the barn of a deserted vineyard. Their escapades included traversing fields, navigating irrigation ditches, and exhilarating sprints prompted by kicks to the horse's muscles. Aram, eager to learn horse riding, and Mourad, fulfilling his passion, planned to keep the horse for a maximum of six months. However, their idyllic enjoyment came to an abrupt halt when they encountered John Byro, the actual owner of the horse. Despite Byro's scrutiny and suspicion, the boys greeted him and allowed him to inspect the horse closely. Byro, convinced that the horse was a twin of his own, refrained from accusing the boys of theft, respecting their family's reputation. This encounter prompted Aram and Mourad to recognize the importance of their family's esteemed honesty, leading them to return the horse the next morning.

 

Question 7:

 What do you know about the Garoghlanian tribe?

 

Answer.

The Garoghlanian tribe is distinguished by the hallmarks of honesty and trust. Despite residing in comical poverty, the tribe takes immense pride in its reputation for integrity. Members of the Garoghlanian tribe staunchly uphold honesty and consider it a point of pride. Their ethical standards are unwavering, and they refrain from taking advantage of others. The notion of stealing is inconceivable to them, emphasizing their commitment to honesty and trust. Even though Mourad's act of stealing the horse deviates from these principles, it is considered an exception rather than the norm within the tribe's cultural values.