1.
Aram and Mourad Contemplating About the Horse Ride:
Host: "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Today, we will explore the beginning
of William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,' focusing on the moment
when Aram and Mourad contemplate taking a ride on the beautiful white horse.
One day, back when Aram was nine and the world seemed full of endless possibilities, he
was woken up by his cousin Mourad at four in the morning. Mourad, often considered the
crazy one in the family, was tapping on the window of Aram's room. When Aram looked out,
he saw Mourad sitting on a beautiful white horse.
The sight was almost surreal. It wasn’t morning yet, but being summer, there was enough
light for Aram to see clearly. Mourad, in a mix of Armenian and English, assured Aram that
it wasn't a dream. He had indeed found a horse, a magnificent white horse, and he invited
Aram to join him for a ride.
Aram’s initial reaction was one of disbelief and wonder. He had always longed to ride a
horse, and his earliest memories were filled with dreams of horses. The excitement of seeing
a real horse, coupled with the thrill of Mourad’s audacity, was overwhelming. Yet, there was
a nagging thought in Aram’s mind. The Garoghlanian family, to which they belonged, was
known for their honesty and poverty. Where could Mourad have possibly gotten the horse?
Despite his doubts, the allure of the adventure and the trust in his cousin made Aram jump
out of bed. The prospect of riding a horse, something he had always dreamed of, was too
tempting to resist. This moment of contemplation and the decision to join Mourad set the
stage for the unfolding adventure, highlighting the innocence, curiosity, and the strong bond
between the cousins."
2. Garoghlanian Tribe's Credentials of Honesty and Aram's Justification to Ride on the
Horse:
Host: "Welcome back, everyone. In this segment, we will discuss the Garoghlanian tribe’s
renowned honesty and how Aram justifies riding the horse despite his initial reservations.
The Garoghlanian tribe, despite being poverty-stricken, was known far and wide for their
honesty. For eleven centuries, they had upheld a reputation of integrity and righteousness.
Aram, being a member of this tribe, was very conscious of this legacy. The family’s pride in
their honesty was a matter of principle, something they held dear even in the face of extreme
poverty.
When Aram saw Mourad with the horse, his immediate reaction was one of disbelief. The
Garoghlanians were poor; they could barely afford basic necessities, let alone a horse. Aram's
first thought was that Mourad must have stolen the horse. However, the deep-seated family
values made it difficult for Aram to accept this possibility. No member of the Garoghlanian
family could be a thief.
Aram’s internal conflict is beautifully portrayed in the story. On one hand, he is enthralled by
the idea of riding the horse, fulfilling a childhood dream. On the other hand, the notion of
theft is abhorrent to him. To reconcile these conflicting emotions, Aram convinces himself
that taking the horse for a ride is not the same as stealing it. He reasons that as long as they
don’t sell the horse, they aren’t truly committing a crime.
This justification showcases Aram’s struggle to balance his desire for adventure with his
moral upbringing. It reflects the complexities of growing up and the challenges of adhering to
one’s principles in the face of temptation. This segment of the story underscores the theme of
moral integrity and the innocence of childhood."
3. Mourad's Riding Experience and Embarrassment:
Host: "Hello again, everyone. Now, let's delve into Mourad's riding experience and his
moments of embarrassment in William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the Beautiful White
Horse.'
Mourad, the cousin of Aram, is portrayed as a daring and free-spirited individual. He has a
unique bond with animals, especially horses, and believes that he has a special way with
them. Mourad's self-assuredness is evident when he declares that the horse understands him
and that he can make it do anything he desires.
When Mourad first invites Aram to ride the horse, he showcases his skill and confidence. He
takes the horse for a solo ride, demonstrating his prowess. The horse responds to Mourad's
commands, running across fields and irrigation ditches with an elegance that fascinates Aram.
Mourad's control over the horse reinforces his belief in his exceptional ability.
However, when it is Aram's turn to ride the horse alone, things do not go as smoothly.
Despite Mourad's guidance and encouragement, the horse throws Aram off several times,
leaping over vines and small trees. Each time Aram falls, the horse runs away, and Mourad
has to retrieve it. This repeated failure is a source of embarrassment for Mourad, who prides
himself on his supposed 'understanding' with the horse.
Mourad’s embarrassment is twofold. On one hand, he feels responsible for Aram’s safety and
success. On the other hand, his own claims of having a special way with horses are put to the
test. Despite the setbacks, Mourad remains determined to teach Aram, displaying his
perseverance and the deep bond between the cousins.
This segment highlights Mourad's individuality and his struggles with pride and humility. It
also emphasizes the theme of learning and growth, as both boys navigate their relationship
with the horse and each other."
4. John Byro's Lamentation About His Missing Horse:
Host: "Welcome back, everyone. In this session, we'll explore John Byro's lamentation about
his missing horse in William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.'
John Byro, a farmer, visits Aram’s house one afternoon, expressing his sorrow over his
missing white horse. Byro, an Assyrian who had learned to speak Armenian out of loneliness,
shares his plight with Aram’s family. He explains that his beloved horse, which he had
bought for sixty dollars, was stolen a month ago. Byro’s lamentation adds a poignant layer to
the narrative, as we see the impact of the missing horse on his life.
Byro’s visit is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it introduces the element of the stolen
horse into the story, confirming Aram’s suspicions about Mourad’s actions. Secondly, it
underscores the trust and respect that Byro has for the Garoghlanian family. Despite
suspecting that the horse might be his, Byro refrains from accusing the boys directly, relying
on the family's reputation for honesty.
This moment heightens the tension in the story. Aram and Mourad realize the consequences
of their actions, understanding that their joyrides have caused distress to Byro. Byro’s
sadness and his trust in the Garoghlanian family create a moral dilemma for the boys, pushing
them towards making a responsible decision.
John Byro’s lamentation serves as a turning point in the story, compelling Aram and Mourad
to confront the reality of their actions. It highlights the themes of honesty, trust, and the moral
complexities faced by the characters."
5. Restoring the Horse to Its Actual Owner:
Host: "Hello, everyone. Now, let's discuss the crucial moment when Aram and Mourad
decide to restore the horse to its actual owner in William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the
Beautiful White Horse.'
After two weeks of exhilarating morning rides, the boys realize that they cannot keep the
horse any longer. Mourad, despite his deep affection for the horse and his skill in handling it,
understands the need to return it. They decide to take the horse back to John Byro’s vineyard
early in the morning.
This decision marks a significant step in their moral journey. By choosing to return the horse,
Aram and Mourad demonstrate their respect for their family’s values and their own sense of
responsibility. The act of restoring the horse is a powerful statement of their integrity and
adherence to the Garoghlanian legacy of honesty.
The return of the horse is met with amazement by John Byro. He visits Aram’s house later
that day, expressing his gratitude and wonder. Byro notes that the horse is in better condition
than before, stronger and better-tempered. This observation reinforces the positive impact of
Mourad’s care and the boys’ genuine affection for the horse.
This act of returning the horse brings the narrative to a moral resolution. It underscores the
importance of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. The boys’ decision to restore the
horse reflects their growth and maturity, highlighting the themes of honesty, responsibility,
and redemption in the story."
6. Uncle Khusrove and His Eccentric Behavior:
Host: "Welcome back, everyone. In this segment, we’ll delve into the eccentric behavior of
Uncle Khusrove in William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.'
Uncle Khusrove is a larger-than-life character known for his explosive temper and eccentric
behavior. His reactions to various situations add a layer of humor and unpredictability to the
story. Khusrove’s signature response to any problem is a booming, 'It is no harm; pay no
attention to it.'
One of the most memorable incidents involving Uncle Khusrove is when his own son runs to
tell him that their house is on fire. Khusrove, unperturbed, responds with his usual refrain,
dismissing the seriousness of the situation. This behavior highlights his unique outlook on
life, where he seemingly disregards material concerns in favor of maintaining his composure.
Khusrove’s eccentricity is further illustrated when John Byro visits Aram’s house to lament
about his missing horse. Byro’s heartfelt lament is met with Khusrove’s characteristic
indifference. 'It is no harm,' he bellows, 'what is the loss of a horse?' This response, though
seemingly insensitive, reflects Khusrove’s broader philosophy of life.
Khusrove’s eccentric behavior serves multiple purposes in the story. It provides comic relief,
contrasting sharply with the more serious themes of honesty and integrity. It also reflects the
diverse personalities within the Garoghlanian family, adding depth and richness to the
narrative. Through Khusrove, Saroyan explores the theme of individuality and the various
ways people cope with life’s challenges."
7. Mourad and His Individuality:
Host: "Hello again, everyone. In this final segment, we'll explore Mourad's individuality and
his unique traits in William Saroyan's 'The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.'
Mourad, Aram’s cousin, is a fascinating character who embodies the spirit of adventure and
individuality. He is often seen as the 'crazy' member of the family, but his actions and
demeanor reveal a deeper complexity. Mourad’s individuality is marked by his strong
connection with nature, particularly animals. He believes he has a special way with horses, a
talent that sets him apart from others.
Mourad’s love for the white horse is a testament to his unique bond with animals. He treats
the horse with care and respect, often talking to it as if it could understand him. This
connection is evident when he first rides the horse, showcasing his skill and confidence.
Mourad’s individuality shines through in his ability to communicate with the horse, making it
an extension of his own adventurous spirit.
Despite his free-spirited nature, Mourad is not immune to the moral dilemmas that arise from
his actions. His decision to take the horse, though driven by a desire for adventure, is
tempered by his understanding of the consequences. Mourad’s individuality is not just about
his daring exploits; it also encompasses his capacity for introspection and growth.
Throughout the story, Mourad’s actions and decisions reflect his journey towards self-
awareness. He starts off as a rebellious and adventurous character but evolves into someone
who understands the importance of responsibility and honesty. This evolution highlights the
theme of individuality and the process of finding one’s place within the framework of family
values and societal expectations.
Mourad’s character is a vivid portrayal of youthful exuberance and the quest for identity. His
individuality, while sometimes leading to questionable actions, ultimately guides him towards
making the right choices. This journey of self-discovery and moral growth is central to the
narrative, making Mourad a memorable and compelling character in the story."