Prose | The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse (Snapshots)

The story revolves around Aram, a young boy, and his older cousin Mourad. Mourad confesses to Aram that he has stolen a horse, which he presents as a beautiful white horse. Mourad’s intention was to ride the horse at night and return it before dawn, but he fell in love with the horse and couldn’t bring himself to return it. The boys enjoy the horse until Aram’s uncle, the rightful owner, discovers the theft. Mourad confesses and returns the horse, but the uncle is so impressed by Mourad’s integrity and the bond between the boys that he allows them to keep the horse.

Assignment and Activities for CBSE Class 11 English Chapter: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

• Character Analysis: Analyze the characters of Aram and Mourad, discussing their personalities, motivations, and actions throughout the story.
• Theme Exploration: Explore the themes of honesty, integrity, and the bond between siblings in the story, citing examples from the text to support your analysis.
• Creative Writing: Write a continuation of the story, imagining what happens to Aram and Mourad after the events of the story. Do they continue their adventures with the horse?
• Discussion Questions: Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by Aram and Mourad in the story. How do they resolve these dilemmas, and what can we learn from their actions?
• Historical Context: Research the historical background of the story, including the Armenian community in California in the early 20th century. How does this context enrich your understanding of the story?
• Artistic Expression: Create a visual representation of a scene from the story, such as Mourad riding the white horse or the boys’ interaction with the uncle.
• Comparative Study: Compare “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” with another story or novel that explores similar themes of honesty and integrity.
• Character Journal: Write a journal entry from the perspective of Aram or Mourad, reflecting on the events of the story and their feelings about the horse.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters in the story. How do these dilemmas shape the plot and the characters’ development?
• Real-Life Connections: Discuss real-life situations where honesty and integrity were tested. How did people respond to these challenges, and what were the consequences of their actions?

Conclusion : The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is a poignant story that teaches valuable lessons about honesty, integrity, and the bond between siblings. Through the adventures of Aram and Mourad, readers are reminded of the importance of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. The story’s timeless themes and relatable characters make it a classic piece of literature that resonates with readers of all ages.