Worksheet Solutions: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse | English Class 11 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Aram and Mourad were part of the ____________ tribe.
Ans: Garoghlanian
The text mentions that the two boys belong to the Garoghlanian tribe.

Q2: Even in times of extreme poverty, Aram's family valued ____________.
Ans: honesty
The text emphasizes that Aram's family valued honesty above all, even in times of poverty.

Q3: Aram was amazed and startled to see Mourad riding a ____________.
Ans: horse
Aram was surprised because they were too poor to afford a horse, and he didn't expect to see Mourad riding one.

Q4: The two boys hid the stolen horse in a ____________.
Ans: barn
They concealed the horse in a barn to keep it hidden from the world.

Q5: The horse was stolen from a man named ____________.
Ans: John Byro
The text mentions that the horse belonged to John Byro and was stolen.

Q6: The boys kept the horse for ____________ weeks.
Ans: two
They enjoyed the horse for a period of two weeks.

Q7: John Byro was the owner of the ____________ horse.
Ans: stolen
The family had a reputation for being honest.

Q8: The boys' family was known for their ____________.
Ans: honesty
The family had a reputation for being honest.

Q9: John didn't suspect the boys of stealing the horse because of their ____________.
Ans: reputation
 John trusted the boys due to their family's reputation for honesty.

Q10: The story teaches the importance of ____________ even in the face of greed.
Ans: honesty
The story's central theme is the significance of honesty, even when faced with temptations like greed and passion.

Assertion and Reason Based

For each of the following assertions, choose the correct reason from the options provided.

Q1: Assertion: Aram was surprised to see Mourad on a white horse.
Reason:
(a) Aram had never seen a horse before.
(b) Aram thought he was dreaming.
(c) Mourad had stolen the horse.
(d) Aram was happy for Mourad.
Ans: (b)
Aram was astonished by the sight of Mourad on a horse, and his surprise is due to thinking it might be a dream.

Q2: Assertion: The boys hid the horse in a barn.
Reason:
(a) To protect the horse from thieves.
(b) To keep it safe from John Byro.
(c) They wanted to sell the horse later.
(d) To enjoy its ride in cool air.
Ans: (d)
The boys hid the horse in a barn not to enjoy its ride but to keep it concealed.

Q3: Assertion: John Byro didn't suspect the boys of stealing his horse.
Reason:
(a) He didn't know the horse well.
(b) The boys' family had a reputation for honesty.
(c) John was not a very observant person.
(d) John knew the boys had stolen the horse.
Ans: (b)
John trusted the boys because of their family's honest reputation, which is why he didn't suspect them of stealing.

Q4: Assertion: The story teaches the importance of honesty.
Reason:
(a) The boys wanted to keep the horse for themselves.
(b) John Byro was a dishonest man.
(c) Aram's family was known for their dishonesty.
(d) The boys returned the stolen horse despite their ethics.
Ans: (d)
The story conveys the importance of honesty by showing that the boys returned the stolen horse, even though it conflicted with their ethics.

Q5: Assertion: The boys were too crazy to ride a horse.
Reason:
(a) They didn't know how to ride a horse.
(b) They were afraid of the horse.
(c) They were known for their crazy behavior.
(d) They were honest and didn't steal the horse.
Ans: (d)
The assertion implies that the boys didn't ride the horse because they were honest and didn't steal it.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who were the two main characters in the story?
Ans: The two main characters in the story are Aram and Mourad.

Q2: What did Aram see when he looked out of the window one morning?
Ans: Aram saw Mourad riding a white horse when he looked out of the window one morning.

Q3: How long did the boys keep the stolen horse?
Ans: The boys kept the stolen horse for two weeks.

Q4: Where did the boys hide the white horse?
Ans: The boys hid the white horse in a barn.

Q5: Who was the owner of the stolen horse?
Ans: The horse was stolen from a man named John Byro.

Q6: What was the reputation of the boys' family?
Ans: The boys' family had a reputation for honesty.

Q7: What did John Byro say when he saw the horse?
Ans: John Byro was amazed at the resemblance between the horse and his own but didn't suspect the boys of stealing.

Q8: How did the boys feel about keeping the stolen horse?
Ans: The boys felt conflicted about keeping the stolen horse.

Q9: Where did the boys return the horse to?
Ans: The boys returned the horse to John Byro's vineyard.

Q10: What is the primary lesson the story teaches?
Ans: The primary lesson the story teaches is the importance of honesty even in the face of greed and passion.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the appearance of the white horse and how it surprised Aram.
Ans: The white horse was described as majestic and beautiful, with a long flowing mane and a strong build. It was pure white, without any blemishes or markings. Aram was surprised by the horse because he had never seen such a magnificent creature before.

Q2: Why did the boys choose to keep the stolen horse despite knowing it was wrong?
Ans: The boys chose to keep the stolen horse because they were tempted by its beauty and the excitement it brought into their lives. They were also influenced by their desire to prove themselves and improve their family's reputation.

Q3: How did the boys plan to hide the horse from the rest of the world?
Ans: The boys planned to hide the horse by keeping it in a secluded spot in the hills, away from prying eyes. They took turns taking care of the horse and made sure to cover its tracks and keep it well-fed and groomed.

Q4: Explain the significance of the boys' family reputation in the story.
Ans: The boys' family reputation played a significant role in the story as it influenced their actions and decisions. They believed that by stealing the horse and proving their worth, they could improve their family's standing in the community. The reputation of their family also added pressure on them to act in a certain way and maintain their honor.

Q5: What led the boys to return the stolen horse to John Byro?
Ans: The boys decided to return the stolen horse to John Byro after realizing the consequences of their actions and the guilt they felt. They understood that keeping the horse was wrong and that they needed to rectify their mistake to restore their integrity.

Q6: How did John Byro react when he saw the horse, and why?
Ans: When John Byro saw the horse, he was filled with surprise and joy. He recognized the horse as his own and was grateful to the boys for returning it. He also praised their honesty and integrity, which made him appreciate their character.

Q7: Discuss the moral lesson the story conveys about honesty and ethics.
Ans: The story conveys the moral lesson that honesty and ethics should never be compromised. It teaches us that even when faced with temptation or pressure, it is important to do what is right and take responsibility for our actions. The boys' decision to return the stolen horse demonstrates the value of integrity and the consequences of dishonesty.

Q8: How did the boys feel about returning the horse to its rightful owner?
Ans: The boys initially felt conflicted about returning the horse, as they had grown attached to it and enjoyed the excitement it brought into their lives. However, they ultimately felt relieved and proud of themselves for making the right decision. Returning the horse gave them a sense of peace and restored their integrity, which outweighed any temporary pleasure they had experienced.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the characters of Aram and Mourad and their role in the story. How did their personalities differ?
Ans: Aram and Mourad are the two main characters in "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" by William Saroyan. Aram is the narrator and protagonist of the story, while Mourad is his cousin and best friend.
Aram is a young boy who is curious and observant. He is the one who tells the story and shares his experiences and thoughts with the readers. Aram is depicted as a thoughtful and reflective character, often contemplating the world around him. He is also depicted as someone who values honesty and struggles with the ethical dilemmas he encounters.
Mourad, on the other hand, is portrayed as more daring and impulsive. He is filled with a sense of adventure and possesses a strong desire to do what he believes is right. Mourad's actions often drive the plot forward, as he takes risks and makes bold decisions.
Their personalities differ in terms of their approach to life and decision-making. Aram is more cautious and hesitant, while Mourad is bold and quick to act. Despite these differences, they share a deep bond and a strong sense of loyalty towards each other, which is evident in their actions throughout the story.
Overall, Aram and Mourad play significant roles in the story as they embark on a journey to save a beautiful white horse and navigate through various ethical dilemmas. Their contrasting personalities add depth to the narrative and highlight the different perspectives they bring to their adventures.

Q2: Explore the theme of honesty in the story. Discuss the ethical dilemma faced by the boys and their ultimate decision.
Ans: The theme of honesty is central to "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse." The story explores the ethical dilemma faced by Aram and Mourad when they discover that the horse they have been taking care of, which they believe to be stolen, is actually rightfully owned by a kind Armenian man.
Initially, Aram and Mourad are convinced that the horse, which they name "Mike," has been stolen and they decide to take care of it until they can find its rightful owner. However, as they continue to care for the horse, they come across evidence that suggests it may not have been stolen after all. They find out that the previous owner of the horse had sold it to the current owner, a man named John Byro.
This revelation puts the boys in a moral dilemma. They have become emotionally attached to the horse and feel responsible for its well-being. They are torn between their desire to do what is right and their fear of losing the horse they have grown fond of. The boys struggle with the question of whether to return the horse to its rightful owner or keep it for themselves.
In the end, Aram and Mourad choose honesty over their personal attachment to the horse. They decide to return the horse to John Byro, even though it means letting go of something they hold dear. This decision showcases their moral integrity and their understanding of the importance of honesty and justice.
The ethical dilemma faced by the boys highlights the complexities of honesty and the internal conflicts it can create. It shows that honesty often requires sacrifice and may involve letting go of personal desires for the greater good. The boys' ultimate decision to return the horse demonstrates the moral lesson of the story - that honesty and integrity should always prevail, even when faced with difficult choices.

Q3: Explain the significance of the beautiful white horse in the story and how it serves as a symbol.
Ans: The beautiful white horse in "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" serves as a symbol of innocence, freedom, and purity. It represents a world untouched by corruption and a desire for something beautiful and unspoiled.
The horse, which the boys name "Mike," captures their imagination and becomes a source of joy and wonder. It symbolizes their longing for a better life and their escape from the harsh realities of their surroundings. The horse's beauty and grace inspire the boys and offer them a glimpse of a different existence.
Furthermore, the horse also symbolizes the connection between nature and humanity. It represents the harmony that can exist between humans and animals, as the boys care for the horse and develop a deep bond with it. The horse becomes a source of companionship and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the world.
However, the horse also serves as a catalyst for the ethical dilemma faced by Aram and Mourad. It tests their integrity and forces them to confront their notions of right and wrong. The horse's presence in the story challenges the boys to make difficult decisions and ultimately leads them to discover the importance of honesty and justice.
In this way, the beautiful white horse symbolizes both innocence and moral responsibility. It represents the desire for purity and goodness, while also highlighting the complexities of navigating ethical choices in a world that is not always as straightforward as it may seem.

Q4: Reflect on the overall message and moral of "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" and its relevance in today's world.
Ans: The overall message of "The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" revolves around the importance of honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of justice. The story teaches us that honesty should always prevail, even in the face of difficult choices and personal attachments.
The moral of the story is relevant in today's world, where ethical dilemmas and moral compromises are often encountered. It reminds us of the significance of doing what is right, even when it requires sacrifice or goes against personal desires. The story emphasizes the need to prioritize honesty and justice over personal gain or emotional attachments.
Furthermore, the story also highlights the power of friendship and loyalty. Aram and Mourad's unwavering support for each other throughout their journey demonstrates the strength of their bond and their commitment to doing what is right. This serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one another and staying true to our principles, even in challenging situations.
"The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse" also prompts us to reflect on the complexities of truth and the need to question assumptions. The boys' realization that their initial beliefs about the horse were mistaken encourages us to be open-minded, seek out different perspectives, and critically examine our own judgments.
Ultimately, the story's message and moral encourage us to strive for honesty, integrity, and justice in our own lives. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that making ethical choices is crucial for creating a more just and compassionate world.

Passage Based Questions

Q2: How does the narrator’s memory of horses contribute to the significance of the event?
Ans: The narrator’s earliest memories and longings were associated with horses, making the sight of the horse with Mourad both wonderful and unbelievable. This longing heightened the emotional impact of seeing the horse and contributed to his disbelief.

Q3:  Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
The narrator’s tribe was living in_________________ (prosperity / poverty).
Ans: poverty

Q4: What internal conflict did the narrator experience upon seeing the horse?
Ans: The narrator felt a mix of wonder and disbelief. While he was thrilled to see a horse, fulfilling his long-held desire to ride, he was also conflicted because he knew his family’s poverty made it unlikely they could own a horse, leading him to suspect that the horse was stolen.

2. Read the given extract and answer the following question
“Every family has a crazy streak in it somewhere, and my cousin Mourad was considered the natural descendant of the crazy streak in our tribe. Before him was our uncle Khosrove, an enormous man with a powerful head of black hair and the largest moustache in the San Joaquin Valley, a man so furious in temper, so irritable, so impatient that he stopped anyone from talking by roaring, ‘It is no harm; pay no attention to it.’ That was all, no matter what anybody happened to be talking about. My cousin Mourad was considered the natural descendant of this man, although Mourad’s father was Zorab, who was practical and nothing else.”
Q1: How was Uncle Khosrove described in terms of his temperament?
A. Calm and patient
B. Furious and irritable
C. Gentle and kind
D. Quiet and reserved
Ans: B. Furious and irritable
Uncle Khosrove was described as having a furious temper, being very irritable and impatient.

Q2: In what way was Mourad similar to Uncle Khosrove, according to the narrator?
Ans: Mourad was considered the natural descendant of Uncle Khosrove because he inherited the “crazy streak” in their tribe. This connection is drawn through their shared eccentric behavior, even though Mourad’s father, Zorab, was practical and different in temperament.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
Mourad’s father, Zorab, was known for being ________________(practical / emotional).
Ans: practical

Q4: What role did the concept of a “crazy streak” play in the narrator’s family?
Ans: The “crazy streak” in the narrator’s family represented a hereditary trait of eccentricity and impulsiveness. Mourad embodied this trait, similar to Uncle Khosrove, despite having a practical father. This streak defined Mourad’s adventurous and unpredictable nature, which set him apart from others in the family.

3. Read the given extract and answer the following question
“One morning on the way to Fetvajian’s deserted vineyard we ran into the farmer John Byro who was on his way to town. ‘Let me do the talking,’ my cousin Mourad said. ‘I have a way with farmers.’ ‘Good morning, John Byro,’ my cousin Mourad said to the farmer. The farmer studied the horse eagerly. ‘Good morning, son of my friends,’ he said. ‘What is the name of your horse?’ ‘My Heart,’ my cousin Mourad said in Armenian. ‘A lovely name,’ John Byro said, ‘for a lovely horse. I could swear it is the horse that was stolen from me many weeks ago.’”
Q1: How did Mourad respond when John Byro asked the name of the horse?
A. He refused to answer
B. He named the horse “My Heart”
C. He admitted to stealing the horse
D. He changed the subject
Ans: B. He named the horse “My Heart”
Mourad responded to John Byro by saying the horse’s name was “My Heart” in Armenian.

Q2: What was John Byro’s reaction to seeing the horse with Mourad?
Ans: John Byro was suspicious and recognized the horse as the one stolen from him, but he didn’t accuse Mourad directly. Instead, he commented on the horse’s resemblance to his own, relying on the family’s reputation for honesty to justify his doubt.

Q3: Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket.
John Byro was ________________(certain / unsure) that the horse belonged to him.
Ans: unsure

Q4: How did Mourad handle the situation when confronted by John Byro?
Ans: Mourad handled the situation calmly and confidently, engaging in polite conversation and providing a name for the horse. He relied on the family’s reputation for honesty to dissuade John Byro from pressing the issue, which allowed him to avoid direct confrontation or admission of guilt.