In William Saroyan’s short story “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse,” cousins Aram and Mourad, members of the Armenian Garoghlanian family, embark on an adventure involving a beautiful white horse. Their contrasting personalities and shared experiences offer a rich exploration of innocence, morality, and familial bonds.
Aram: The Innocent Dreamer
- Age and Background: Aram is a nine-year-old boy who belongs to the Garoghlanian tribe, a family renowned for their honesty and integrity.
- Innocence and Naivety: Aram exhibits a childlike innocence, evident in his excitement upon seeing the white horse and his immediate trust in Mourad’s intentions. His naivety allows him to believe in the possibility of riding a stolen horse without considering the moral implications.
- Imaginative and Dreamy: Aram possesses a vivid imagination, often dreaming of adventures and longing to ride a horse. This imaginative nature makes him susceptible to Mourad’s adventurous plans.
- Moral and Reflective: Throughout the story, Aram grapples with the ethical dilemma of riding a horse that doesn’t belong to them. His internal conflict highlights his inherent goodness and the strong moral upbringing of the Garoghlanian family.
Mourad: The Adventurous Spirit
- Age and Background: Mourad, Aram’s thirteen-year-old cousin, is perceived as having inherited the family’s “crazy streak,” reminiscent of their Uncle Khosrove.
- Adventurous and Daring: Mourad is characterized by his love for adventure and thrill. His daring personality is evident when he takes a white horse without the owner’s permission, solely to fulfill his desire to ride. This act showcases his fearless and bold nature.
- “Crazy Streak”: Within the Garoghlanian family, Mourad is considered to have inherited the family’s “crazy streak,” a trait attributed to their Uncle Khosrove. This streak manifests in Mourad’s unconventional actions and his tendency to live in the moment, often disregarding societal norms.
- Deep Connection with Animals: Mourad possesses an innate ability to connect with animals. He can tame and understand them, as seen in his interaction with the white horse. This unique talent highlights his gentle and empathetic side, contrasting with his otherwise rebellious demeanor.
- Protective Cousin: Despite his impulsive actions, Mourad is protective of his younger cousin, Aram. He introduces Aram to new experiences, like horse riding, and ensures that Aram shares in the excitement without facing any harm. This protective nature underscores his deep familial bonds.
- Moral Complexity: Mourad’s character embodies a complex moral landscape. While he takes the horse without permission, he doesn’t view it as stealing, as his intentions aren’t malicious. This perspective challenges traditional notions of right and wrong, adding depth to his character.
Together, Aram and Mourad’s characters provide a nuanced exploration of youthful innocence and the moral complexities of their actions, set against the backdrop of their family’s esteemed reputation for honesty.
