By smartcubs Aram, a character from William Saroyan’s short story “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,” is a young boy from an Armenian family living in California. His innocence, imagination, and love for adventure make him a memorable character. This character sketch delves into the various facets of Aram’s personality, highlighting his childlike wonder, moral dilemmas, and family values.
Innocence and Imagination
Aram is the epitome of innocence and imagination. As a nine-year-old, he views the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. His imaginative nature allows him to see possibilities and adventures where others might see limitations.
- Childlike Wonder: Aram’s excitement upon seeing the white horse for the first time is palpable. He describes it as “a beautiful white horse” and is instantly captivated by its majesty.
- Imaginative Adventures: Aram’s imagination runs wild with the idea of riding the horse. Despite knowing the horse might be stolen, he is swept away by the adventure and the joy it brings.
Moral Dilemma
Aram’s innocence is juxtaposed with a moral dilemma when he realizes that the horse, brought by his cousin Mourad, might be stolen. This conflict between right and wrong is a significant aspect of his character development.
- Confusion and Conflict: Aram is torn between his love for adventure and his inherent sense of right and wrong. He grapples with the idea that his cousin, whom he idolizes, could be involved in something unethical.
- Rationalization: In his youthful innocence, Aram tries to rationalize the situation by convincing himself that Mourad could not have stolen the horse. He believes Mourad’s explanation that they are only borrowing it.
Loyalty and Family Values
Aram’s loyalty to his family and his deep-rooted family values are evident throughout the story. The Garoghlanian family, known for their honesty and integrity, profoundly influences Aram’s actions and decisions.
- Family Pride: Aram is proud of his family’s reputation for honesty. He is aware of the high moral standards set by his ancestors and strives to uphold them.
- Loyalty to Mourad: Despite his moral doubts, Aram remains loyal to Mourad. He trusts his cousin and is willing to go along with him, showcasing his deep familial bond.
Sense of Adventure
Aram’s adventurous spirit is a defining trait. He is always eager for new experiences and embraces challenges with enthusiasm.
- Excitement for New Experiences: Aram’s thrill at the prospect of riding the white horse is infectious. His excitement is a testament to his adventurous nature.
- Bravery and Courage: Even though he is apprehensive, Aram shows bravery by riding the horse. He is willing to step out of his comfort zone for the sake of adventure.
Innocent Rationalizations
Aram’s young mind often finds innocent rationalizations to justify actions that may seem questionable. This trait highlights his naive yet endearing personality.
- Justifying Mourad’s Actions: Aram convinces himself that Mourad’s actions are justified because they are not keeping the horse permanently. He views the act of “borrowing” the horse through a lens of childlike innocence.
- Belief in the Unbelievable: Aram’s imagination often leads him to believe in the unbelievable. He is ready to accept fantastical explanations, showing his innocence and creativity.
Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn
Aram’s curiosity and eagerness to learn are evident in his interactions and observations. He is always keen to understand the world around him.
- Learning from Experiences: Every adventure is a learning opportunity for Aram. He absorbs the lessons from his experiences, whether it is riding the horse or dealing with moral questions.
- Observation Skills: Aram is a keen observer. His detailed descriptions of the horse and his surroundings show his attentiveness and curiosity.
Influence of Mourad
Mourad, Aram’s cousin, plays a significant role in shaping Aram’s character. Mourad’s adventurous spirit and charisma greatly influence Aram.
- Admiration for Mourad: Aram looks up to Mourad and admires his confidence and fearlessness. This admiration often leads Aram to follow Mourad’s lead, despite his reservations.
- Learning from Mourad: Through his interactions with Mourad, Aram learns about bravery, loyalty, and the complexities of moral decisions. Mourad’s actions and explanations profoundly impact Aram’s perspective.
Resilience and Adaptability
Aram’s resilience and adaptability are evident in his ability to cope with unexpected situations and challenges.
- Handling Surprises: Aram manages to handle the surprise of the horse and the subsequent events with remarkable adaptability for his age.
- Coping with Dilemmas: Despite the moral and ethical dilemmas he faces, Aram shows resilience in dealing with them. He tries to find a balance between his adventurous spirit and the values he has been taught.
Aram’s character in “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a rich tapestry of innocence, imagination, and moral complexity. Through his adventures and interactions, Aram embodies the quintessential spirit of childhood, with all its wonder, dilemmas, and growth.