The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse

William Saroyan (1980-1981) was an Armenian American writer of plays, screenplays, and stories. He often wrote about the immigrant experience in California. “The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse” is set in the early 20th century in Fresno, California. The story appears in a collection of Saroyan’s short stories called My Name is Aram, which features the young protagonist, Aram.

The early 20th century marked a transformative period in American history, characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and significant social changes. Fresno, specifically, was part of California's Central Valley, which experienced rapid growth and agricultural development during this time. The region became known as the “breadbasket of the world” due to its abundant agricultural production.

The story takes place in this rural setting. The importance of farming is emphasized through the characters’ interactions with animals, the description of the vineyards, barns, fields, orchards, and irrigation ditches, as well as the horse that is involved in the central conflict of the narrative. Agriculture was not only an economic pillar but also a way of life for many individuals in Fresno and the surrounding areas.