The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse – Questions & Answers

Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 lines each)

Who is the narrator of the story?
Ans. Aram, a 9-year-old boy.
Who was Aram’s cousin?
Ans. Mourad, 13 years old.
Why was the white horse special to Aram?
Ans. Because it was beautiful and rare for their poor family to own such a horse.
What was unusual about Mourad’s character?
Ans. He was considered crazy, but he had a deep love for animals.
Where had Mourad brought the horse from?
Ans. He had stolen it from a farmer named John Byro.
How long had Mourad kept the horse before Aram found out?
Ans. For two weeks.
Why was Aram initially shocked to see the horse?
Ans. Because their family was very poor and could never afford such a horse.
What was John Byro’s reaction when he saw the horse with the boys?
Ans. He recognised the horse but did not accuse them, trusting their family’s honesty.
What did Mourad and Aram finally do with the horse?
Ans. They returned it to John Byro’s stable secretly.
What moral value of the Garoghlanian family is highlighted in the story?
Ans. Honesty.

Why did Aram think it was unbelievable to see a horse with Mourad?
Ans. Aram’s family was very poor, and owning a horse was impossible for them. When he saw Mourad with the horse, he was shocked because it seemed like a miracle. Yet he was excited because he too loved horses.
How did Mourad justify keeping the horse?
Ans. Mourad believed that he had not stolen the horse but only borrowed it for a while to ride. His love for horses made him think differently from others, though deep inside he knew it was wrong.
Why did John Byro not accuse the boys of stealing his horse?
Ans. John Byro trusted the Garoghlanian family’s reputation for honesty. Even though he recognised the horse, he chose not to accuse the boys, believing they could never commit theft.
What qualities of Mourad’s character are revealed in the story?
Ans. Mourad is adventurous, passionate about horses, confident, and has a kind heart. Though considered crazy, he shows compassion for animals and carries the family’s honesty within him, even when tempted.
Why did the boys finally return the horse?
Ans. The boys realised that keeping the horse went against their family’s values of honesty. John Byro’s silent trust also made them feel guilty, so they secretly returned the horse to its rightful owner.

Discuss the theme of honesty in “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.”
Ans. The story highlights the Garoghlanian family’s reputation for honesty, which no member could afford to break. Mourad and Aram, though tempted by their love for horses, could not ignore this strong family value. Mourad stole John Byro’s horse, but he considered it only a temporary borrowing. However, when John Byro recognised the horse yet refrained from accusing them, trusting their family’s integrity, the boys felt guilty. This moment of silent trust made them realise the importance of honesty. They returned the horse quietly, showing that family honour was more valuable than personal pleasure. The story teaches that integrity and trust are lasting values that shape one’s character.
Describe the relationship between Aram and Mourad.
Ans. Aram and Mourad share a close bond as cousins. Mourad, older by four years, is adventurous, daring, and slightly eccentric, while Aram is innocent, curious, and thoughtful. Aram admires Mourad’s confidence and love for animals, though he often feels confused by his actions. Their love for horses brings them together, but they are also bound by their family’s honesty. Mourad influences Aram’s thinking, teaching him lessons of adventure, compassion, and family pride. Their relationship reflects innocence, loyalty, and the excitement of childhood.