How Does the Story Begin: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse?
The story The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse by William Saroyan begins precisely with the arrival of Mourad, Aram's cousin, at Aram's house in the early morning, around 4 AM, bringing with him a stunning white horse.
The Unexpected Dawn Call
The narrative plunges straight into the heart of an unusual morning. Aram, a young boy, is suddenly woken by his cousin, Mourad, who stands outside his window. The most astonishing part of this visit is that Mourad is riding a magnificent white horse, an image that initially makes Aram question if he is still dreaming.
- Time of Arrival: Mourad makes his appearance at Aram's house around 4 o'clock in the morning, a time when the world is typically quiet and still.
- The Unveiling: To Aram's absolute surprise, Mourad is not merely visiting but is perched atop a beautiful white horse. This sight is particularly astounding given their family's humble circumstances and their reputation for honesty.
- Aram's Disbelief: Aram struggles to process what he sees, wondering if the early hour and the surreal image mean he hasn't fully woken up. He explicitly questions if he is dreaming.
- Mourad's Assurance: Mourad, sensing Aram's bewilderment, quickly assures him that the horse is real and that Aram is indeed awake, dispelling any notion of it being a dream.
A Moment of Pure Wonder and Doubt
This opening sets a magical and somewhat perplexing tone. Aram, despite his initial disbelief, is captivated by the horse's beauty. The presence of such a creature challenges the reality of their impoverished family, the Garoghlanian tribe, known for their unwavering honesty and inability to afford such luxuries. This immediate introduction of an extraordinary element – a stolen horse, though its theft is not yet explicitly stated – establishes the central conflict and the adventurous spirit of the story.
Key Elements of the Opening Scene
The initial moments of the story are structured around several pivotal elements that quickly draw the reader into Aram's world:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Characters | Mourad, Aram's eccentric and adventurous cousin; Aram, the young narrator, observant and initially bewildered. |
| Setting | Aram's bedroom window, early morning, within the context of their small Armenian community known for its unique family values. |
| Core Event | Mourad's unexpected arrival, riding a beautiful white horse. |
| Initial Reaction | Aram's profound surprise and disbelief, prompting him to question if he is dreaming. |
| Mourad's Action | Reassurance to Aram that the horse is real and not a figment of his imagination. |
This bold and immediate opening not only introduces the main characters and the central object of the plot but also hints at the blend of innocence, adventure, and moral dilemma that defines the narrative. The early morning setting adds to the clandestine and dreamlike quality of their burgeoning adventure. For more context on William Saroyan's storytelling style, you can explore resources on his literary contributions.
