By smartcubs “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a short story by William Saroyan that delves into the themes of innocence, adventure, and family values within the Armenian community. The story revolves around two young cousins, Aram and Mourad, whose contrasting personalities create a compelling and heartwarming narrative.
Aram
Aram is the nine-year-old narrator of the story, whose innocence and sense of wonder shape the reader’s perspective.
Innocent and Naïve
- Aram is characterized by his innocence and naivety. His excitement about the horse overshadows any immediate moral concerns about its origin.
- His childlike wonder and unquestioning belief in the adventure highlight his purity of heart.
Imaginative and Dreamy
- Aram has a vivid imagination, often dreaming of grand adventures and possibilities.
- His imaginative nature allows him to view the situation with the horse as a magical experience, fueling his sense of excitement and curiosity.
Moral and Reflective
- Despite his initial naivety, Aram possesses a strong moral compass. As the story progresses, he begins to question the ethics of taking the horse.
- His reflective nature leads him to ponder the implications of their actions, showing his developing sense of right and wrong.
Mourad
Mourad, Aram’s cousin, is older and bolder, driving the story with his adventurous spirit.
Adventurous and Daring
- Mourad is adventurous and daring, often seeking excitement and thrill without considering the potential consequences.
- His decision to take the horse reflects his bold and fearless nature, setting the stage for the story’s central conflict.
Resourceful and Skilled
- He is resourceful and exhibits a natural talent for handling animals, especially the beautiful white horse.
- Mourad’s skills and confidence with the horse show his competence and connection with nature, making him a fascinating character.
Charming and Persuasive
- Mourad possesses a charming personality that enables him to persuade others easily, including his cousin Aram.
- His charisma helps to mitigate the potential seriousness of their actions, keeping the adventure light-hearted and engaging.
Character Traits at a Glance
| Character | Key Traits | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aram | Innocent, Imaginative, Moral | Excited about the horse, Reflects on rightness of actions |
| Mourad | Adventurous, Resourceful, Charming | Takes the horse, Handles the horse skillfully, Persuades Aram |
Key Actions and Reactions
- Aram’s Excitement and Innocence
- Aram is initially thrilled by Mourad’s adventurous act of taking the horse, showing his innocence and love for adventure.
- His naivety is evident as he accepts Mourad’s explanations without much question, eager to join the escapade.
- Aram’s Moral Reflection
- As time goes on, Aram begins to feel uneasy about keeping the horse, reflecting on the ethics of their actions.
- His internal conflict showcases his growing sense of morality and understanding of right and wrong.
- Mourad’s Bold Decision
- Mourad’s decision to take the horse without permission sets the story in motion, demonstrating his adventurous and fearless nature.
- His boldness drives the plot and provides the catalyst for the adventure.
- Mourad’s Skill with the Horse
- Mourad’s ability to calm and ride the horse highlights his resourcefulness and innate skill with animals.
- His competence reassures Aram and adds a layer of admiration to his character.
- Mourad’s Persuasion and Charm
- Mourad easily persuades Aram to join him in the adventure, using his charm and persuasive skills.
- His charismatic approach keeps the mood light-hearted and adds a sense of fun to the story.
Aram and Mourad’s Key Actions
- Aram’s Excitement: Displays innocence and enthusiasm for the adventure.
- Aram’s Reflection: Begins to question the morality of their actions, showing his developing conscience.
- Mourad’s Boldness: Takes the horse and initiates the adventure, showcasing his daring spirit.
- Mourad’s Skill: Demonstrates resourcefulness and skill in handling the horse.
- Mourad’s Persuasion: Uses charm to involve Aram in the escapade, keeping the adventure engaging.
Summary of Aram and Mourad’s Characters
- Aram’s Innocence and Growth: Aram’s journey from innocent excitement to moral reflection represents the theme of growing up and understanding ethics.
- Mourad’s Adventurous Spirit: Mourad’s boldness and resourcefulness drive the plot, making him a captivating and dynamic character.
- Contrasting Personalities: The contrasting traits of Aram and Mourad create a balanced and engaging narrative, highlighting themes of adventure, morality, and familial bonds.
The characters of Aram and Mourad in “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” are beautifully crafted to explore the themes of innocence, adventure, and moral growth. Their contrasting personalities and actions create a rich and engaging story that resonates with readers.