Chapter 1 - The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Summary

In the first chapter of the story "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse," the narrator describes his childhood memories of his cousin Mourad and their adventures together. The story is set in a small Armenian village in California during the early 20th century.

Introduction
The narrator introduces the readers to his cousin Mourad, who is described as a brave and adventurous boy. The two boys often spend their time exploring the village and engaging in various activities.

The White Horse
One day, Mourad discovers a beautiful white horse grazing in a field near their village. The horse belongs to a rich man who lives in a neighboring town. Mourad becomes fascinated by the horse's beauty and dreams of owning it.

The Plan
Mourad and the narrator come up with a plan to borrow the horse without the owner's knowledge. They decide to take the horse for a ride and return it before anyone notices. They believe that by doing so, they will be able to experience the joy of riding the magnificent white horse.

The Ride
One summer afternoon, the boys execute their plan. They sneak into the field where the horse is kept, saddle it up, and begin their ride. The narrator describes the exhilaration and freedom they feel while riding the horse. They gallop through the countryside and enjoy the picturesque landscape.

The Guilt
However, as they continue their ride, guilt starts to creep into the boys' minds. They realize that what they are doing is wrong and illegal. The thought of being caught and punished weighs heavily on them.

The Return
Overwhelmed by guilt, they decide to return the horse to its rightful owner. They bring the horse back to the field and carefully put everything back in its place, hoping that no one will discover their secret adventure.

Conclusion
The chapter ends with the boys feeling a mix of regret and relief. They understand the importance of honesty and the consequences of their actions. This experience serves as a lesson for them, teaching them the value of integrity and responsibility.

Overall, this chapter sets the stage for the story and introduces the theme of moral dilemmas and the power of conscience.