By smartcubs “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a short story by William Saroyan that delves into the themes of honesty, family values, and the Armenian heritage. The main characters, Aram and Mourad, along with Uncle Khosrove, are central to the narrative, each bringing unique traits and dynamics to the story.
Aram
Aram is the nine-year-old protagonist of the story, who experiences a mix of excitement and moral dilemmas.
Innocent and Naïve
- Aram is innocent and has a childlike naivety. He is thrilled by the idea of riding a horse but is unaware of the ethical implications of taking someone else’s horse.
- His naivety is evident in his initial unquestioning acceptance of Mourad’s actions.
Imaginative and Dreamy
- Aram has a vivid imagination. He dreams of riding the horse and feels that his fantasies are coming true.
- His imaginative nature allows him to see the adventure in situations that might otherwise seem troubling.
Moral and Reflective
- As the story progresses, Aram becomes more reflective about the rightness of their actions. He starts to question whether taking the horse was the right thing to do.
- His internal moral struggle highlights his inherent goodness and developing sense of ethics.
Mourad
Mourad is Aram’s cousin, known for his adventurous spirit and somewhat rebellious nature.
Adventurous and Bold
- Mourad is adventurous and bold, always seeking excitement and thrill. He takes the horse without much thought about the consequences.
- His daring nature is captivating and leads the narrative into its central conflict.
Resourceful and Skilled
- He is resourceful and skilled, especially when it comes to handling animals. Mourad’s ability to calm and ride the horse shows his natural talent and connection with animals.
- His resourcefulness helps him navigate the situations they encounter during their adventure.
Charming and Persuasive
- Mourad has a charming personality. He easily convinces Aram to join him in his escapade, showcasing his persuasive skills.
- His charm helps him avoid trouble and keeps the adventure light-hearted despite the potential for serious consequences.
Uncle Khosrove
Uncle Khosrove is a colorful character known for his loud and dismissive attitude towards problems.
Impetuous and Hot-Tempered
- Uncle Khosrove is known for his impetuousness and hot temper. He reacts loudly and dismissively to any problem, often saying, “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.”
- His temperamental nature makes him a larger-than-life character in the story.
Philosophical and Carefree
- Despite his temper, Uncle Khosrove has a philosophical side. His dismissive attitude towards problems indicates a deeper, carefree philosophy of life.
- He believes in not worrying about things that cannot be changed, which adds a unique perspective to the story.
Loyal and Proud
- Uncle Khosrove is loyal to his family and proud of his Armenian heritage. His pride in their culture and values is evident in his interactions.
- His loyalty is a grounding force for the family, despite his often overbearing presence.
Character Traits at a Glance
| Character | Key Traits | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aram | Innocent, Imaginative, Moral | Dreams of riding the horse, Reflects on rightness of actions |
| Mourad | Adventurous, Resourceful, Charming | Takes the horse, Handles the horse skillfully, Persuades Aram |
| Uncle Khosrove | Impetuous, Philosophical, Loyal | Loudly dismisses problems, Shows pride in heritage |
Key Actions and Reactions
- Aram’s Initial Thrill
- Aram is initially thrilled by the adventure Mourad brings, showing his innocent and dreamy nature.
- His later moral reflection showcases his developing sense of right and wrong.
- Mourad’s Bold Actions
- Mourad’s bold decision to take the horse and his handling of it highlight his adventurous and resourceful character.
- His ability to charm Aram into joining him demonstrates his persuasive nature.
- Uncle Khosrove’s Dismissive Attitude
- Uncle Khosrove’s loud and dismissive reactions to problems reveal his impetuous and philosophical side.
- His loyalty and pride are subtly displayed through his interactions and attitude towards family matters.
Summary of Character Dynamics
- Aram’s Innocence and Growth: Aram’s journey from innocence to a more reflective state represents the moral undertones of the story.
- Mourad’s Adventurous Spirit: Mourad’s actions drive the plot, bringing excitement and a sense of rebellion to the narrative.
- Uncle Khosrove’s Philosophical Temperament: Uncle Khosrove provides a humorous yet insightful perspective on handling life’s challenges, adding depth to the family’s portrayal.
The characters in “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” each bring a unique element to the story, weaving a rich tapestry of adventure, moral questioning, and cultural pride.