The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers for CBSE Class 11 Snapshots (2025–2026) are explained in simple language for easy understanding. These answers cover all important themes, characters, and values in the story. Perfect for revision, exam preparation, and strengthening concepts as per the CBSE syllabus.
Summary: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse is a short story written by William Saroyan. It is about two Armenian boys—Aram, the narrator, and his cousin Mourad—who belong to the Garoghlanian family, a poor but honest tribe known for their strong values. One morning, Aram sees Mourad riding a beautiful white horse and is shocked because they can’t afford a horse, and stealing is against their family’s values.
Mourad admits he “borrowed” the horse but doesn’t see it as stealing because he intends to return it. The two boys secretly ride the horse for a few weeks and hide it in a vineyard. The real owner, John Byro, sees the horse but doesn’t accuse them out of respect for their family’s honesty. Feeling guilty, the boys return the horse, and Byro later says it’s better-tempered and stronger than before.
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The story is simple yet powerful. It beautifully shows the struggle between right and wrong, especially when faced with temptation. It highlights moral values like honesty, family pride, and conscience in a gentle and humorous way. Mourad’s wild spirit and Aram’s inner conflict create a touching story about growing up and understanding what it means to be good.
This story teaches that even small wrongdoings can trouble a good heart, and true honour lies in doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.
NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers Class 11 [Page No 1]
“The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers for Class 11 CBSE are written in a clear and easy-to-understand way. These answers help students learn about the story’s main ideas, characters, and writing style. They are great for quick revision, exam preparation, and for building a strong understanding of the lesson.
1. You will probably agree that this story does not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what in your opinion makes it interesting?
Though the story does not have a lot of action or a fast-moving plot like a detective or adventure story, it is still very interesting. What makes it special is the way it shows emotions, family values, and the innocence of childhood. The bond between Aram and Mourad is strong and full of love and trust. Their desire to ride a horse shows their dreams and imagination. The story is also full of humour, especially with the character of Uncle Khosrove, who keeps saying “It is no harm. Pay no attention to it” even in serious situations. Another interesting thing is the moral confusion Aram faces. He knows it is wrong to ride a stolen horse but still does it because he wants to believe it’s not stealing. These small details about character, culture, and inner conflict make the story rich and memorable.
2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
The boys, especially Mourad, returned the horse not out of fear but because they felt it was the right thing to do. They belonged to the Garoghlanian family, which was known for its honesty for over eleven centuries. Although they had taken the horse without permission, they never planned to sell it or harm it. They just wanted to enjoy riding. Mourad always believed that what they were doing was not stealing, but when John Byro recognized the horse and still did not accuse them, it made Mourad feel guilty. He realized that keeping the horse any longer would bring shame to their honest family name. So, out of respect for their family values and conscience, the horse was returned. Their decision came from a sense of moral responsibility, not from fear of getting caught or punished by the owner.
3. “One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream…” The story begins in a mood of nostalgia. Can you narrate some incident from your childhood that might make an interesting story?
Yes, I remember a time from my childhood when I was about eight years old. My friends and I found an old bicycle in a junkyard. It had no tires and a broken chain, but we felt like it was a treasure. Every day after school, we would go to the field and take turns pretending to ride it. One of us sat on the seat and the others pushed it from behind. We even gave it a name — “Thunderbolt.” Though it could not move on its own, we imagined we were racing in a cycle competition. Sometimes, we decorated it with flowers and paper flags. It was our biggest joy that summer. Looking back now, I realise it was not the cycle but our friendship and imagination that made those days so wonderful. That memory still makes me smile.
4. The story revolves around characters who belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian family. Now locate Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on the Garoghlanian tribes.
The Garoghlanian tribe in the story belongs to Armenia, a small country located between Europe and Asia. It shares borders with countries like Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Assyria, an ancient empire, was located in the region of modern-day northern Iraq, near Armenia. The Garoghlanian tribe, as described in the story, had once been wealthy but had become poor over time. However, they were proud people who valued honesty, kindness, and respect. They believed deeply in doing what was right, even when life was hard. Their names, such as Aram, Mourad, and Khosrove, reflect Armenian culture and history. The tribe is also shown as being fun-loving, emotional, and slightly “crazy” in a humorous way. They didn’t care about material things but cared a lot about their honour. Even when they had no food or money, they never lost their honesty. That made them unique.
Try This Out (Drawing Idea):
Prompt for Drawing:
“The horse stood on its hind legs, snorted, and burst into a fury of speed that was the loveliest thing I had ever seen.”
Artistic Imagination Tip:
You can draw a tall, strong white horse standing on its back legs in the middle of an open green field. Its front legs are raised high in the air, and its long mane flows in the wind. The sky can be painted with early morning colours — light blue and golden. The horse’s eyes can be shown wide open, and its nose puffing air to show the “snort.” Behind it, you can draw Aram watching in amazement. Let the motion of the horse show speed, energy, and beauty.
Exam Pattern-Based Questions Answers
Exam Pattern-Based Question Answers are made as per the latest CBSE rules to help students score higher. They include MCQs, short and long answers, and competency-based questions. These help students practice well and understand the exam format clearly.
Extract-Based Questions: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers
One prose extract out of two, from the book Snapshots, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. 4×1=4 Marks
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 1
1. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream, my cousin Mourad, who was considered crazy by everybody who knew him except me, came to my house at four in the morning and woke me up tapping on the window of my room. Aram, he said. I jumped out of bed and looked out of the window. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It wasn’t morning yet, but it was summer and with daybreak not many minutes around the corner of the world it was light enough for me to know I wasn’t dreaming. My cousin Mourad was sitting on a beautiful white horse. I stuck my head out of the window and rubbed my eyes.
1. Why does the narrator call his childhood ‘good old days’?
a) Because life was full of imagination.
(b) Because life was a delight.
(c) Because there were no worries of life.
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d) All of the above
2. The opening lines of the extract depict………….
a) the beauty of white horse
(b) the beauty of life
(c) the beauty of childhood
(d) the beauty of summer morning
Ans: (c) the beauty of childhood
3. Why did the narrator rub his eyes?
Ans: The narrator rubbed his eyes because he couldn’t believe what he saw—his cousin Mourad was sitting on a beautiful white horse at such an early hour, and it seemed like a dream.
4. Why couldn’t Aram believe that Mourad was riding a horse?
Ans: Aram couldn’t believe Mourad was riding a horse because their family was very poor and honest, and it was impossible for anyone in their family to afford or steal a horse.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 2
2. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
It suddenly dawned on me that he had been taking these early morning rides for some time and had come
for me this morning only because he knew how much I longed to ride.
Who said anything about stealing a horse? he said.
Anyhow, I said, how long ago did you begin riding every morning?
Not until this morning, he said.
Are you telling the truth? I said.
Of course not, he said, but if we are found out, that’s what
you’re to say. I don’t want both of us to be liars. All you know is that we started riding this morning.
1. Aram’s conclusion about Mourad taking early morning rides was based on- 1
a) Mourad’s love for the horse
b) Mourad not willing to be caught with the horse
c) Mourad skillfully riding the horse
d) Mourad inviting Aram for a ride
Ans: (c) Mourad skillfully riding the horse
2. Highlight one trait of Mourad from his statement “I don’t want both of us to be liars.” 1
a) conspiring
b) scrupulous
c) honesty
d) manipulative
Ans: (d) manipulative
3. What made Mourad visit Aram with a horse? 1
a) because he had been taking early morning rides himself
b) because he wanted company
c) because he didn’t want to be found out alone
d) because he knew Aram’s longing to ride a horse
Ans: (d) because he knew Aram’s longing to ride a horse
4. Statement-A: Mourad had become adept at riding the horse.
Statement-R: Mourad had stolen the horse that day only and had come to Aram to offer him a ride. 1
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
c) Both A and R are false.
d) A is false but R is true.
Ans: (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 3
3. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream, my cousin Mourad, who was considered crazy by everybody who knew him except me, came to my house at four in the morning and woke me up tapping on the window of my room.
Aram, he said.
I jumped out of bed and looked out of the window.
1. What was Aram’s age when the incident happened?
A) Ten
B) Eleven
C) Nine
D) Eight
Answer: C) Nine
Q2. Complete the Sentence
2. Aram described life in those days as a ______.
A) dreadful punishment
B) boring routine
C) delightful and mysterious dream
D) confusing dream
Answer: C) delightful and mysterious dream
3. Assertion (A): Aram felt he was dreaming when he saw Mourad.
Reason (R): It was still dark and unusual to see Mourad on a horse.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
4. Find the word from the passage that means “grandeur” or “splendour”.
Answer: magnificence
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 4
4. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
We were poor. We had no money. Our whole tribe was poverty-stricken. Every branch of the Garoghlanian family was living in the most amazing and comical poverty in the world. Nobody could understand where we ever got money enough to keep us with food in our bellies, not even the old men of the family. Most important of all, though, we were famous for our honesty. We had been famous for our honesty for something like eleven centuries,
1. Which virtue was the Garoghlanian family most proud of?
A) Wealth
B) Humour
C) Strength
D) Honesty
Answer: D) Honesty
2. Assertion (A): Aram couldn’t believe Mourad had stolen the horse.
Reason (R): Stealing was against the family’s long-standing tradition.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
3. Choose the word from the extract that means “very poor.”
Answer: poverty-stricken
4. Why was Aram shocked to see Mourad on a horse?
Answer: Because they were too poor to afford a horse, and his family was known for honesty, so stealing seemed impossible.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 5
5. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
I jumped down to the yard from the window and leaped up onto the horse behind my cousin Mourad. That year we lived at the edge of town, on Walnut Avenue. Behind our house was the country: vineyards, orchards, irrigation ditches, and country roads. In less than three minutes we were on Olive Avenue, and then the horse began to trot. The air was new and lovely to breathe.
1. Where did Aram and Mourad live that year?
A) On Main Street
B) At the centre of the town
C) On Walnut Avenue
D) On Olive Avenue
Answer: C) On Walnut Avenue
2. Behind their house were ______.
A) Markets and shops
B) Mountains and rivers
C) Vineyards and orchards
D) Streets and houses
Answer: C) Vineyards and orchards
3. Choose the word from the passage that means “fields with grape vines.”
Answer: Vineyards
4. Why did Mourad begin to sing while riding?
Answer: Because he felt joyful and free while riding the horse.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 6
6. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
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 Valley2, 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. Once it was his own son Arak running eight blocks to the barber’s shop where his father was having his moustache trimmed to tell him their house was on fire. This man Khosrove sat up in the chair and roared, It is no harm; pay no attention to it. The barber said, But the boy says your house is on fire. So Khosrove roared, Enough, it is no harm, I say.
1. Who was Mourad considered a descendant of?
A) Zorab
B) John Byro
C) Uncle Khosrove
D) Dikran Halabian
Answer: C) Uncle Khosrove
2. Assertion (A): Khosrove was a calm and composed man.
Reason (R): He always responded with loud roars and dismissed problems.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer: C) A is false but R is true.
3. Khosrove would stop people from talking by ______.
A) asking them to leave
B) roaring “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.”
C) warning them softly
D) laughing loudly
Answer: B) roaring “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.”
4. Choose a word that means “sudden and unpredictable” in context of spirit.
Answer: capricious
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 7
7. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Ride, he said
I leaped to the back of the horse and for a moment knew the most awful fear imaginable. The horse did not move.
Kick into his muscles, my cousin Mourad said. What are you waiting for? We’ve got to take him back before everybody in the world is up and about.
I kicked into the muscles of the horse. Once again it reared and snorted. Then it began to run. I didn’t know what to do. Instead of running across the field to the irrigation ditch the horse ran down the road to the vineyard of Dikran Halabian where it began to leap over vines. The horse leaped over seven vines before I fell. Then it continued running.
1. What did the horse do when Aram rode it alone?
A) Walked gently
B) Waited calmly
C) Threw him off and ran
D) Took him home
Answer: C) Threw him off and ran
2. Why was Aram afraid during his solo ride?
Answer: Because the horse ran wildly, leaping over vines, and he had no control.
3. Choose a word meaning “jumped quickly” from the passage.
Answer: leaped
4. The horse began to ______ when Aram tried to ride it alone.
Answer: leap over vines and trees and threw Aram off
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 8
8. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
The horse leaped over seven vines before I fell. Then it continued running. My cousin Mourad came running down the road. I’m not worried about you, he shouted. We’ve got to get that horse. You go this way and I’ll go this way. If you come upon him, be kindly. I’ll be near. I continued down the road and my cousin, Mourad went across the field toward the irrigation ditch. It took him half an hour to find the horse and bring him back.
1. What does Mourad’s return in this condition suggest about his character?
A) He gave up quickly
B) He was irresponsible
C) He was determined and committed
D) He was afraid of being caught
Answer: C) He was determined and committed
2. Assertion (A): Mourad easily caught the horse when it ran away.
Reason (R): He was known as the “horse whisperer” of the family.
A) A is false but R is true
B) A is true and R is false
C) Both A and R are true
D) Both A and R are false
Answer: D) Both A and R are false
3. Choose a word from the extract that means “out of breath after running.”
Answer: “panting,” as suggested by “came running” (proximate synonyms in context)
4. What was Mourad’s condition when he returned?
Answer: He came running down the road and, after a half-hour chase, brought the horse back—demonstrating he was exhausted yet determined and unafraid.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 9
9. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Early every morning for two weeks my cousin Mourad and I took the horse out of the barn of the deserted vineyard where we were hiding it and rode it, and every morning the horse, when it was my turn to ride alone, leaped over grape vines and small trees and threw me and ran away.
1. What does the boys’ decision to hide the horse in a deserted vineyard reveal about them?
A) They lacked responsibility
B) They were creative and cautious
C) They wanted to show off
D) They were careless
Answer: B) They were creative and cautious
2. The boys had to train the horse because ______.
Answer: It leaped over grape vines and small trees
3. Choose the word that means “abandoned” or “unused.”
Answer: “deserted”
4. Why was the vineyard a suitable hiding place?
Answer: It was deserted and hidden, making it the perfect secret spot where they could safely ride the horse without being seen or discovered.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 10
10. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Tooth for tooth, he said. I would swear it is my horse if I didn’t know your parents. The fame of your family for honesty is well known to me. Yet the horse is the twin of my horse
1. Which value is highlighted by John Byro’s decision not to accuse the boys despite recognizing the horse?
A) Revenge
B) Strictness
C) Faith in family honour
D) Legalism
Answer: C) Faith in family honour
2. Assertion (A): John Byro was sure the horse was his.
Reason (R): He recognized it by its teeth.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
3. Choose the word that means “to promise solemnly.”
Answer: “swear”
4. How did the boys feel after John Byro’s remark?
Answer: They felt guilty and deeply moved, knowing their family’s reputation was trusted more than appearances, leading them to decide to return the horse immediately.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 11
11. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Early the following morning we took the horse to John Byro’s vineyard and put it in the barn
1. What does the boys’ decision to return the horse suggest about their moral development?
A) They were afraid of getting caught
B) They valued honesty over adventure
C) They were bored of the horse
D) They had no other place to keep it
Answer: B) They valued honesty over adventure
2. John Byro’s horse became ______ after its return.
Answer: better‑tempered and stronger
Q3. Assertion (A): The boys trained the horse during the time they kept it.
Reason (R): This training helped it become stronger and better‑tempered.
A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
C) A is true but R is false.
D) A is false but R is true.
Answer: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
4. What lesson did the boys learn in the end?
Answer: They learned that true honesty matters more than any thrill or adventure, and that respect for moral values should guide our decisions.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 12
12. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Then another visitor arrived, a farmer named John Byro, an Assyrian who, out of loneliness, had learned to speak Armenian. My mother brought the lonely visitor coffee and tobacco and he rolled a cigarette and sipped and smoked, and then at last, sighing sadly, he said, My white horse which was stolen last month is still gone — I cannot understand it.
1. How does John Byro’s visit reflect the community’s reliance on trust and personal reputation?
A) He had no hope of finding the horse
B) He trusted others would confess
C) He believed people in the community valued honesty
D) He wanted to scare the thief
Answer: C) He believed people in the community valued honesty
Q2. Assertion (A): Uncle Khosrove showed concern for John Byro’s problem.
Reason (R): He was known for being helpful.
A) A is false but R is true
B) A is true but R is false
C) Both A and R are true
D) Both A and R are false
Answer: A) A is false but R is true
3. Khosrove silenced John Byro by ______.
Answer: shouting “It is no harm; pay no attention to it.”
4. How did Aram feel during the conversation between John Byro and Khosrove?
Answer: Aram felt nervous and embarrassed because their secret might be exposed, and he feared both John Byro and Khosrove were sensing something.
Short Answer Type Questions: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers
One Short answer type question, from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 40- 50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. One out of two questions to be done. 3×1=3 Marks
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 1
1. Describe the early morning scene when Mourad came to wake up Aram.
Answer: It was four in the morning when Mourad tapped on Aram’s window to wake him up. Though it was still dark, there was enough summer light for Aram to see clearly. He saw Mourad sitting on a beautiful white horse. Aram rubbed his eyes in disbelief, thinking he was dreaming. But it was real. Mourad invited him to ride, and Aram felt amazed and thrilled.
2. Why couldn’t Aram believe that Mourad had a horse?
Answer: Aram couldn’t believe that Mourad had a horse because their family was very poor. They didn’t have money to afford food properly, let alone buy a horse. Also, their tribe, the Garoghlanian family, was known for honesty for more than eleven centuries. So, Aram couldn’t accept that Mourad could have stolen a horse, as no one in their family ever did anything dishonest.
3. How does Aram describe the Garoghlanian family’s values?
Answer:Aram says that the Garoghlanian family was poor but proud, honest, and respected. They had been famous for their honesty for centuries, even when they were once rich. The family believed strongly in right and wrong. No member of the family would ever steal or take unfair advantage. These values made it difficult for Aram to accept that Mourad had stolen the horse.
4. Why did Aram think that stealing a horse was not really stealing?
Answer:Aram loved horses so much that he thought riding a stolen horse wasn’t like stealing something like money. He believed that as long as they didn’t sell the horse or harm it, it wasn’t truly stealing. He convinced himself that they were just borrowing it to enjoy riding, and would return it later. This was how he made himself feel better.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 2
5. What was Mourad’s personality like? How was he different from others?
Answer: Mourad was lively, adventurous, and full of energy. He enjoyed life more than anyone else. People thought he was crazy because of his wild behaviour and love for animals. But he was also kind-hearted and had a magical way with animals. Unlike practical people, like his father Zorab, Mourad followed his own unique path, full of imagination and boldness.
6. What is the significance of Uncle Khosrove in the story?
Answer: Uncle Khosrove is shown as a hot-tempered and impatient man who always shouted, “It is no harm. Pay no attention to it.” He represents the crazy streak in the family. His personality is used for humour. He reacts the same way to serious matters like his house burning and the stolen horse. His character adds a comic yet cultural touch to the story.
7. How did the boys enjoy their first ride on the horse?
Answer: Aram and Mourad rode the horse through the vineyards and country roads. The air was fresh and clean. The horse trotted gently, and Aram felt the thrill of riding. Mourad sang loudly, showing his joy. Both boys felt happy and free, forgetting all their worries. It was a magical moment for them, especially for Aram, who had dreamed of riding all his life.
8. Why did Mourad let Aram try riding the horse alone? What happened next?
Answer: Mourad let Aram try riding alone because Aram insisted. He wanted to prove he could ride like Mourad. However, as soon as Aram got on, the horse refused to move. When he kicked its muscles, it reared up and ran wildly through a vineyard, jumping over vines. Aram couldn’t control it and fell off. The horse continued running until Mourad caught it later.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 3
9. What was the boys’ plan after the horse ran away during Aram’s ride?
Answer: After Aram fell and the horse ran off, Mourad and Aram searched for it in different directions. It took Mourad about half an hour to catch it. Then they discussed what to do. Mourad decided not to return it yet but to hide it again and continue riding. He said he knew a safe place to keep it—a deserted vineyard barn.
10. What does the boys’ decision to return the horse show about their values?
Answer: The boys’ decision to return the horse, especially Mourad’s, shows that deep down, they respected their family’s values of honesty. Even though they took the horse without permission, they didn’t want to keep it forever. Mourad agreed to return it when Aram had learned to ride. Their actions showed they still cared about right and wrong, and their family’s honour.
11. How did Aram justify Mourad’s behaviour with the horse, despite suspecting it was stolen?
Answer: Aram tried to make sense of Mourad’s action by thinking that riding a horse for fun was not really stealing. He was influenced by Mourad’s calm behaviour and the family’s tradition of honesty. Aram convinced himself that Mourad wouldn’t sell the horse or harm it. He used his own emotional love for horses to justify an action he otherwise knew was wrong.
12. Describe Mourad’s “understanding” with the horse. What does this reveal about him?
Answer: Mourad claimed he had a special understanding with the horse. He said he could make it do anything he wanted. He believed horses understood him because he treated them with love and respect. This shows Mourad’s gentle and emotional nature. It also reveals his belief in connection over control. His “understanding” wasn’t logical, but it was based on deep feeling and imagination.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 4
13. How does the author use humour in the character of Uncle Khosrove?
Answer: Uncle Khosrove is used for comic relief. His repeated phrase, “It is no harm. Pay no attention to it,” adds humour, especially when used in serious situations like the burning of his own house. His loud voice, wild looks, and exaggerated responses make him memorable and funny. This humour also contrasts with the serious themes of honesty and poverty in the story.
14. Why did John Byro not accuse the boys directly, even though he recognized the horse?
Answer: John Byro trusted the Garoghlanian family’s reputation for honesty. Even though he was sure the horse was his, he chose not to accuse the boys. He believed their family values wouldn’t allow them to steal. This shows his respect for the family’s good name. His choice also gave the boys a chance to correct their mistake without shame or punishment.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 5
15. Explain the theme of honesty in the story.
Answer: The theme of honesty is central to the story. The Garoghlanian tribe is known for never stealing. Mourad and Aram, though tempted by the horse, struggle between desire and family honour. Mourad finally decides to return the horse, showing the importance of values over fun. The story teaches that honesty defines character and builds trust, even when no one is watching.
16. How does the narrator’s view of Mourad change during the story?
Answer: At first, Aram sees Mourad as someone crazy but fun-loving. He admires him but is shocked by the horse. As the story goes on, Aram sees Mourad’s kindness, confidence, and cleverness. He realises Mourad may act wild, but he understands what’s right. In the end, Aram respects him more, especially when Mourad decides to return the horse.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 6
17. How does the setting influence the events in the story?
Answer: The setting—a quiet town with open countryside—lets the boys ride freely without being noticed. The presence of vineyards, roads, and barns gives them hiding spots. The early morning time adds to the dreamlike feeling of their adventures. The rural setting also makes a stolen horse easier to hide. Overall, the setting supports the boys’ actions and helps the story unfold naturally.
18. What message does the story give about growing up and moral choices?
Answer: The story shows that growing up involves facing moral choices. Aram learns that right and wrong aren’t always simple. Mourad’s actions teach him that you may be tempted, but values matter. Even though they ride the horse secretly, they return it. It shows young people make mistakes, but with guidance and reflection, they can choose what’s right and learn responsibility.
19. How does Mourad represent the “crazy streak” in the family?
Answer: Mourad represents the wild, free-spirited side of the Garoghlanian family. Like Uncle Khosrove, he acts on impulse, sings aloud, and talks to animals. People call him crazy, but he also has deep emotions and strong beliefs. Mourad’s behaviour is bold but not harmful. He shows that even those who seem different still understand right and wrong in their own way.
20. What role does imagination play in Aram’s way of seeing things?
Answer: Aram has a vivid imagination. He dreams of riding horses and sees life as magical and mysterious. When Mourad appears with the horse, Aram tries to believe it’s not stolen. His imagination helps him enjoy the moment but also makes him ignore reality. This shows how children use imagination to cope with things they don’t understand or don’t want to accept.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 7
21. Why did the boys choose to hide the horse in Fetvajian’s vineyard?
Answer: The vineyard was deserted and away from the town. It had a barn with dry food like oats and alfalfa, making it a safe place to keep the horse hidden and healthy. No one would come there often. Mourad knew the place well, and it allowed them to take the horse out early each morning for a ride without getting caught.
22. How did Aram react when John Byro visited their house?
Answer: When John Byro visited, Aram felt nervous. He knew the horse was still with them and feared they would be caught. John Byro talked about his lost horse sadly. Uncle Khosrove shouted, as usual, not to pay attention. Aram felt uncomfortable because the truth was close to being found out. He quickly ran to Mourad to warn him about the visit.
23. Describe the final meeting between the boys and John Byro before they returned the horse.
Answer: The boys met John Byro on the road while going to the vineyard. Mourad talked confidently. John Byro examined the horse closely and felt sure it was his. But because he trusted their family’s honesty, he said nothing. He left the boys confused and grateful. This encounter made Mourad decide to return the horse the next morning without delay.
24. What does the story suggest about the bond between Mourad and Aram?
Answer: The story shows a strong bond between the cousins. Aram looks up to Mourad and follows his lead, despite doubts. Mourad trusts Aram and invites him to share his adventure. They both love horses and enjoy their secret. They argue, joke, and learn together. In the end, their bond is based on trust, love for adventure, and shared family values.
25. Why is the story titled “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse”?
Answer: The title reflects a special memory in Aram’s life. That summer, the stolen white horse gave him and Mourad adventure, fun, and valuable lessons. The horse was not just an animal; it represented dreams, freedom, and childhood. The summer stood out as magical and meaningful. The title captures the innocence, beauty, and emotional depth of that unforgettable time.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 8
26. Examine Aram’s conflicting emotions on encountering Mourad with the horse and how this incident reflects the values of the Garoghlanian family.
When Aram saw Mourad with the horse, he was thrilled and fascinated, as he had always longed to ride a horse. However, he was also shocked and confused because stealing was against the moral values of their tribe. The Garoghlanian family was known for its honesty, and even in poverty, they prided themselves on never stealing. This incident shows the internal conflict between a child’s desire and the inherited values of integrity and honour.
27. “Love for an animal or bird is pure because in that love you don’t expect anything in return.” Substantiate with reference to ‘The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse.’
Mourad’s deep affection for the horse in The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse reflects pure love without expectation. He didn’t steal the horse to sell or benefit from it but to enjoy its companionship and to fulfil a childhood passion. He cared for it, fed it, and even trained it. His love was selfless, not driven by reward or recognition, demonstrating that true affection for animals is based on connection and joy, not gain.
28. Why did the narrator say the ‘spirit’ of his tribe was being capricious and vagrant?
Aram felt that the spirit of his tribe—the Garoghlanian spirit of integrity and righteousness—was behaving unusually, even wildly, when Mourad stole the horse. This was contrary to the core values of honesty and morality passed down through generations. He called it “capricious and vagrant” because it seemed to wander away from its strict moral path. Aram was grappling with the idea that someone from such an honourable tribe could commit an act like theft, even if done innocently.
Long Answer Type Questions: The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers
One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses, using incidents, events, themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. 1×6=6 Marks
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 1
1. What did people say about Mourad? From whom had he inherited those traits?
Ans: People in the Garoghlanian tribe believed that Mourad was a little crazy, but in a good way. He loved animals, especially horses, and enjoyed doing fun, adventurous things. Everyone knew that Mourad could talk to animals and understand them, which made him seem magical or special. Mourad did not behave like a poor boy even though his family was very poor. He always looked confident and happy, which made others admire him.
Mourad had inherited these traits from his Uncle Khosrove, who was also known to be a little crazy. Uncle Khosrove was a man who would always shout, “It is no harm, pay no attention to it,” even in serious situations. Just like his uncle, Mourad was different from others—free-spirited, bold, and full of life. So, people believed Mourad got his wild and cheerful nature from his uncle’s side of the family.
2. How does Aram describe his cousin Mourad’s personality and how does it contrast with the family’s reputation?
Ans: Aram says Mourad was the happiest and most exciting person in their family. Mourad loved fun, animals, and adventures. He did things in his own way and didn’t seem worried about rules. This was strange because their family, the Garoghlanian tribe, was known for being poor but very honest and proud.
Even though Mourad took the horse without permission, he didn’t think it was stealing. He loved the horse and just wanted to ride it. This shows a big difference between Mourad’s free way of thinking and the family’s strict values. But Mourad still respected their reputation. He later returned the horse. This shows that even though Mourad acted differently, he still cared about the family’s honour.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 2
3. How does Uncle Khosrove’s reaction to John Byro’s complaints about the stolen horse contribute to the story’s humour and themes?
Ans: Uncle Khosrove adds humour to the story with his loud and funny way of speaking. When John Byro says his horse was stolen, Uncle Khosrove just shouts, “It is no harm; pay no attention to it!” even though losing a horse is serious. He reacts the same way to everything, which makes the reader laugh.
His strange behaviour shows how the Garoghlanian family values peace and staying calm. Even in a serious problem, Uncle Khosrove doesn’t panic. This also shows that the family thinks more about honesty and pride than money or things. So, his words and actions make the story funny and help show the family’s values.
4. Compare and contrast the two Cousins present in the story.
Ans: Aram and Mourad are cousins from the same honest and proud Garoghlanian family. Aram is 9 years old, innocent, and loves to dream. He always listens to Mourad and admires him. Aram is confused when he sees the horse because he knows stealing is wrong, but he also wants to ride it. This shows he is thoughtful and unsure.
Mourad, on the other hand, is bold and full of adventure. He doesn’t think taking the horse is wrong because he won’t sell it. He just loves the horse. Mourad is good with animals and confident with people. He even talks smartly to John Byro without getting caught.
While Aram follows and learns, Mourad leads. But in the end, both boys realise their mistake and return the horse. This shows they both care about their family’s values.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 3
5. In today’s materialistic world where greed and money are the most important things, the example of the Garoghlanian tribe can teach us many things – to be honest, to discriminate between right and wrong. What values can we learn from the example of this tribe?
Ans: In today’s world, many people care only about money and success. But the Garoghlanian tribe shows us a better way. Even though they are poor, they are proud of being honest. They never steal or lie. Their values are more important than wealth.
When Mourad and Aram take the horse, they feel it is not really stealing because they will not sell it. But when they meet John Byro, they feel guilty. They realise their mistake and return the horse. This shows that honesty and doing the right thing is more important than fun or desire.
We learn from them that we must always do what is right. Even if we make a mistake, we should fix it. Values like honesty, kindness, and respect are more important than money or things.
6. Both Aram and Mourad diverted a little bit from their family values for some time. However, they corrected themselves when they realised their mistake. You wish to include a cameo of both in your upcoming blog post. As part of the research, write about the human values reflected in the character of these two young boys in 120-150 words.
[Clue: Include the incidents from the story-desire to ride a horse-delight realisation of the mistake]
Ans: Aram and Mourad belong to the honest Garoghlanian family. They love adventure and are excited when Mourad finds a horse. Aram wants to ride too, even though he knows it is wrong. They believe it’s not stealing because they don’t plan to sell the horse.
Mourad is full of confidence and can handle animals well. Aram follows him because he trusts him. They enjoy the horse rides but feel guilty after meeting John Byro. They realise their actions could damage their family’s reputation.
So, they decide to return the horse. This shows they understand the importance of honesty and family honour. Even though they made a mistake, they corrected it. This teaches us that real strength is in choosing to do the right thing, even after doing wrong.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse Questions Answers Set 4
7. The story “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse’ beautifully throws light on the statement ‘we are nothing but a set of values’. Write an article in 120-150 words discussing this statement with reference to the story. You may begin like this.
Ans:
We Are Nothing But a Set of Values
By XYZ
Human beings are not just bodies or minds—we are known by the values we follow. Our values shape our actions and decisions in life. In The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse, the boys show us how important values like honesty and trust are.
Though they took the horse without permission, they later realise that it was wrong. This happened because they belonged to a family where truth and honesty were more important than money or fame. Their values helped them see their mistake and do the right thing.
We learn that even in a world full of greed and selfishness, we should stick to our moral values. Riches may not last, but good values do. They help us live a peaceful and respected life. This story reminds us to always choose right over wrong.
