Class 11 Unit 1 The summer of the Beautiful White Horse NCERT Supplementary Reader CBSE board.
Question Answers
1. You will probably agree that this story des not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what in your opinion makes it interesting?
2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
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 beings in a mood of nostalgia. Can you narrate some incident from your childhood that might make an interesting story?
4. The story revolves around characters who belong to a tribe in Armenia. Mourad and Aram are members of the Garoghlanian family. Now located Armenia and Assyria on the atlas and prepare a write-up on the Garoghlanian tribes. You may write about people, their names, trails, geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.
Try this out
“The horse stood on its hind legs, snorted, and burst into a fury of speed that was the loveliest thing I had ever seen.” These lines could be an artist’s delight. Try to draw a picture as depicted in the above lines.
Answers the following question:
1. You will probably agree that this story does not have breathless adventure and exciting action. Then what, in your opinion, makes it interesting?
Answer: The story may not have fast-paced adventure or exciting action, but it captivates readers through its detailed portrayal of emotions, relationships, and the characters’ innocence. The way Mourad and Aram interact with the stolen horse, along with the tension of whether they will get caught or not, adds a subtle thrill. Their bond, the dilemma between right and wrong, and the humorous way in which Mourad justifies his actions make the story both thought-provoking and charming.
2. Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
Answer: The boys returned the horse primarily because they were conscience-stricken. Mourad, though mischievous, came from a family with a reputation for honesty and integrity. As members of the Garoghlanian tribe, whose pride rested on their moral values, they realized that keeping the horse any longer would violate their family’s legacy. While fear of being caught might have played a minor role, it was their guilty conscience and respect for family values that drove them to return the horse.
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?
Answer: (This would be a personal narrative; here’s an example.) “When I was eight, my friends and I used to believe that the large banyan tree in the park behind our house was magical. One evening, just before sunset, we noticed the tree’s shadow stretching longer than usual, as if it wanted to touch us. Curious and a little scared, we decided to spend the night there, armed with flashlights and snacks. As darkness fell, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant whispers became eerily louder. We convinced ourselves that the tree was alive, watching us. The suspense was too much to bear, so we ran back home screaming, vowing never to challenge the ‘magic’ again. Later, we laughed about it, but those moments still remain vivid in my memory as a thrilling adventure.”
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. You may write about people, their names, traits, geographical and economic features as suggested in the story.
Answer: The Garoghlanian tribe is described in the story as an Armenian family known for their honesty, pride, and simple living. Historically, Armenia is a country in the Caucasus region, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Assyria, on the other hand, refers to an ancient empire located in modern-day northern Iraq.
The Garoghlanian tribe, though fictional, reflects the characteristics of many Armenian families that have a strong sense of integrity, loyalty, and cultural pride. Economically, they are depicted as people living modestly, with no wealth but great moral wealth. The family, although facing hardships, holds onto their values and traditions. This emphasis on honesty and morality, despite their economic conditions, plays a central role in the story as the boys struggle with the ethical dilemma of having a stolen horse.
5. Try this out:
“The horse stood on its hind legs, snorted, and burst into a fury of speed that was the loveliest thing I had ever seen.” These lines could be an artist’s delight. Try to draw a picture as depicted in the above lines.
Answer: I can describe how to imagine the picture: visualize a magnificent horse standing tall on its hind legs, its powerful muscles tensed as it prepares to launch into a burst of speed. Its head is thrown back, nostrils flaring as it snorts, and its mane flows in the wind. The background can depict an open field or countryside with a hint of sunrise or sunset, capturing the golden light as the horse sets off in a graceful, fluid motion. The scene should evoke a sense of freedom, strength, and wild beauty.