"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan is a short story that revolves around the themes of honesty, friendship, and the loss of innocence. It is set in Fresno, California, during the Great Depression. Here are the important points of the story:
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Introduction: The story is narrated by a young boy who recalls a summer from his childhood. He introduces his cousin, Mourad, and their adventures together.
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The discovery of the white horse: Mourad and the narrator stumble upon a beautiful white horse grazing in a field. They are captivated by its beauty and decide to bring it home, believing it is a gift from God.
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The plan to keep the horse: Mourad and the narrator come up with a plan to hide the horse in a barn until they can officially claim it. They believe that their father will be proud of them for acquiring such a valuable animal.
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The truth about the horse: The boys learn that the horse belongs to a man named Mr. John Byro. They discover that the horse was stolen, and its true owner is desperately searching for it.
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Moral dilemma: Mourad and the narrator are faced with a moral dilemma. They debate whether to keep the horse or return it to its rightful owner. The boys struggle with the temptation of keeping something so beautiful and valuable.
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The decision to return the horse: Eventually, Mourad and the narrator decide to return the horse to Mr. Byro. They recognize that it is the right thing to do and that keeping the horse would be dishonest.
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The loss of innocence: Returning the horse marks a turning point in the boys' lives. They realize that the world is not as simple and idealistic as they had believed. They experience a loss of innocence and confront the complexities of honesty and responsibility.
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Conclusion: The story concludes with the boys returning the horse to Mr. Byro. Although they are sad to part with the horse, they feel a sense of pride and integrity in their decision.
Key Themes:
a. Honesty and integrity: The story explores the importance of honesty and integrity, as the boys grapple with the decision to keep the stolen horse or return it to its rightful owner.
b. Loss of innocence: The story portrays the loss of innocence that the boys experience as they confront the complexities of the adult world and make a difficult moral decision.
c. Friendship and loyalty: The friendship between Mourad and the narrator is central to the story. They support and guide each other through their journey of moral discovery.
"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" highlights the moral dilemmas and coming-of-age experiences faced by the two young protagonists. It emphasizes the values of honesty, friendship, and the lessons learned through difficult decisions.