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.
