By smartcubs Uncle Khosrove is a colorful and memorable character from William Saroyan’s short story “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,” part of his collection “My Name is Aram.” He is known for his loud and eccentric behavior, his quick temper, and his infamous catchphrase, “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.” Uncle Khosrove’s character provides comic relief in the story while also highlighting themes of family, culture, and resilience.
Introduction
Uncle Khosrove is the elder member of an Armenian family living in California. His character stands out due to his exaggerated reactions, boisterous personality, and a seemingly carefree attitude towards life’s troubles. Despite his quirks, Uncle Khosrove is a significant figure in the family, embodying both the rich cultural heritage and the unique traits that define their close-knit community.
Physical Appearance
- Large and Stout: Uncle Khosrove is described as a large, stout man, whose physical presence is as imposing as his personality.
- Distinctive Features: He has a bushy mustache, which adds to his dramatic appearance and complements his theatrical demeanor.
Personality Traits
- Loud and Boisterous: Uncle Khosrove is known for his loud voice and boisterous behavior. His presence is always felt in any gathering due to his booming voice and exaggerated gestures.
- Quick-Tempered: He has a quick temper and is easily irritated, often reacting with exaggerated anger to even minor inconveniences.
- Dramatic and Exaggerated: His responses to situations are always dramatic and over-the-top, making him a larger-than-life figure within the story.
Catchphrase and Attitude
- “It is no harm; pay no attention to it”: This catchphrase encapsulates Uncle Khosrove’s outlook on life. He uses it to dismiss worries and problems, suggesting a philosophy of resilience and a refusal to be bogged down by life’s challenges.
- Carefree Attitude: His carefree attitude is both comical and inspiring. He refuses to let problems weigh him down, instead choosing to brush them off with his signature phrase.
Role in the Family
- Elder and Patriarch: As an elder in the family, Uncle Khosrove commands respect and attention, even though his eccentricities often make him the subject of amusement.
- Cultural Embodiment: He embodies the Armenian heritage of the family, bringing with him the traditions, attitudes, and quirks of their cultural background.
Comic Relief
- Humor and Levity: Uncle Khosrove provides comic relief in the story. His exaggerated reactions and dramatic pronouncements add humor and levity, balancing the more serious or sentimental moments.
- Contrast to Seriousness: His character contrasts with the more serious and responsible members of the family, highlighting different ways of dealing with life’s challenges.
Resilience and Philosophy
- Stoic Resilience: Beneath his loud and dramatic exterior, Uncle Khosrove’s attitude reflects a deep resilience. His refusal to be troubled by problems suggests a stoic acceptance of life’s ups and downs.
- Philosophical Insight: His catchphrase, while comical, carries a philosophical insight about not letting problems overwhelm one’s spirit.
Impact on the Story
- Influence on Others: Uncle Khosrove’s attitude and behavior influence other characters in the story, providing them with a different perspective on handling difficulties.
- Cultural Context: His character adds depth to the story’s cultural context, highlighting the Armenian immigrant experience and the unique traits of their community.
Key Traits of Uncle Khosrove’s Character
- Boisterous and Loud: His loud and dramatic nature makes him a standout character.
- Quick-Tempered: His quick temper leads to many humorous situations.
- Resilient Philosophy: His catchphrase and attitude reflect a deeper resilience and acceptance of life’s challenges.
- Cultural Embodiment: He embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Armenian community.
Legacy and Influence
- Memorable Character: Uncle Khosrove is a memorable character whose loud voice and dramatic presence leave a lasting impression.
- Cultural Representation: He represents the Armenian immigrant experience and the colorful personalities that enrich the family’s cultural tapestry.
- Comic and Philosophical: While providing comic relief, his character also offers philosophical insights into dealing with life’s challenges.
Summary of Uncle Khosrove’s Character Journey
- From Eccentric Elder to Resilient Philosopher: Uncle Khosrove starts as a seemingly eccentric elder with a quick temper and dramatic flair. Throughout the story, his character reveals a deeper resilience and a philosophy of not letting problems overshadow the joy of living.
- Influence on Family Dynamics: His presence and attitude influence the family dynamics, adding humor, wisdom, and a unique perspective on life’s challenges.
- Cultural Pillar: As a cultural pillar, he represents the rich traditions and attitudes of the Armenian community, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
Uncle Khosrove in “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a delightful and complex character. His loud and boisterous nature, quick temper, and resilient philosophy make him both a source of comic relief and a figure of profound insight. His character adds richness to the narrative, highlighting themes of family, culture, and the art of living with joy despite life’s challenges.