The White Horse of Alih by Alvarez Enriquez is a captivating short story set in a city joyfully celebrating the American Holiday. Within this lively atmosphere, we encounter Alih, a young Moro man grappling with a tumultuous mix of past memories and a vengeful mission. The narrative deftly explores themes of love, loss, vengeance, and the repercussions of unbridled anger. Through vivid character portrayals and skillful use of literary devices, the story serves as a poignant cautionary tale, urging readers to contemplate the perils of fanaticism and the quest for peace.

Summary | The White Horse of Alih  

The short story The White Horse of Alih unfolds on July 4th in a bustling city where people gather to partake in the grand celebrations of the American Holiday. In the midst of the jubilant crowd, we are introduced to Alih, a young Moro man whose heart is torn between his past reminiscences and his current malevolent intentions. For Alih and his brother Omar, this day holds profound significance as they have devised a sinister plan to take the lives of innocent people.

Seeking solace from the cheerful throng, Alih retreats to the shade of a Balete tree. Amidst the vibrant parade, his mind drifts back to his childhood, where he had encountered Lucy, a girl he deeply admired. Yet, cultural boundaries prevented their love from blossoming as Moros were barred from entering the reservation area where Lucy resided. This unrequited love adds to Alih’s festering discontent and inner turmoil.

As Alih matures, Omar divulges the tragic tale of their father’s unjust death at the hands of American soldiers. The pain of this loss fuels their desire for revenge and redemption. Guided by Omar’s teachings, Alih is led down a path of violence and hatred, as he learns the art of killing and comes to believe that this is the sole means of restoring honor to their family.

In his young adulthood, Alih’s affectionate inclinations shift towards Fermina, a captivating barmaid adorned with a distinct mole near her mouth. The allure of Fermina captivates Alih, but his ill-advised advances land him in jail for six months. These events further exacerbate the emotional turmoil within him, blurring the line between love and animosity.

Alih finds himself grappling with conflicting thoughts, torn between the promises of their prophet—rewards of a white horse ride to heaven and the measure of infidel heads laid before Allah—and the teachings of their Imam, who denounces such interpretations as mere fanatical fabrications. The prophet, as the Imam asserts, was a proponent of peace, and the notion of a white horse as a reward for killing is a misinterpretation perpetuated by extremists.

Amidst these introspective musings, Alih relentlessly searches for Omar amidst the enthusiastic parade. His gaze fixates on a float carrying a girl he believes to be Fermina. Yet, his plans are interrupted when Omar unexpectedly appears from the crowd, visibly intoxicated from consuming tuba, an alcoholic beverage he sought to bolster his courage for the impending attack.

Omar’s drunken state engenders panic and fear among the crowd. In a desperate attempt to shield Fermina from Omar’s inebriated aggression, Alih takes swift action. Drawing his blade, he strikes his brother repeatedly, ultimately leading to Omar’s untimely demise.

The town is left bewildered and agitated, struggling to fathom the tragic event that has unfolded before their eyes. None can discern Alih’s motives for turning against his own brother, and the incident becomes a subject of perplexing speculation.

The White Horse of Alih | Analysis

  “The White Horse of Alih” unfolds in a city celebrating the American Holiday, a day symbolizing freedom and independence. This historical context assumes significance as it alludes to the colonial era of the Philippines, marked by American influence and occupation. During this period, the Moro community, of which Alih is a part, experienced marginalization and injustice at the hands of foreign forces. The story subtly hints at the larger struggle for identity and self-determination in the face of cultural assimilation.

Themes

At its core, “The White Horse of Alih” delves into the dangerous implications of vengeance and the inherent conflict between violence and peace. Alih’s innocent desires from his youth, such as his longing for love and a horse, symbolize the purity of his early life. However, the tragic loss of his father and Omar’s influence propel him towards a path of violence and retribution. The narrative emphasizes the consequences of unrestrained anger and rash actions, culminating in a tragic event that shocks the town.

Another underlying theme lies in forbidden love, subtly weaving its way through the narrative. Alih’s unspoken affection for Lucy and his infatuation with Fermina represent his yearning for emotional connections obstructed by societal barriers and personal dilemmas. This unrequited love deepens Alih’s inner turmoil, further underscoring the complexity of his character.

The Complexity of Love and Humanity:

The portrayal of Alih’s infatuation with Fermina and his unrequited affection for Lucy adds depth to the story’s exploration of human emotions. Love, in its various forms, serves as a counterbalance to the theme of violence and vengeance. Alih’s feelings for Fermina reveal his desire for human connection and emotional fulfillment, standing in stark contrast to the brutality of his mission. Similarly, his memories of Lucy showcase his capacity for innocent love and hope, further blurring the line between victim and perpetrator. The juxtaposition of love and violence underscores the intricacies of human nature, reminding readers that individuals are not simply defined by their actions but by the emotions that drive them.

The Tragedy of Misguided Ideologies:

The story offers a poignant examination of Omar’s fanaticism and distorted interpretation of religious teachings, a theme with broader implications beyond the narrative. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremist ideologies and the manipulation of faith to justify violence. Omar’s teachings reveal how individuals can be swayed by radical ideas, leading them to commit heinous acts under the guise of religious righteousness. The tragic consequences of Omar’s influence on Alih illustrate the destructive power of such ideologies, not only on the individuals involved but also on the wider community. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and understanding in countering extremist thought and fostering a more harmonious society.

Social and Historical Context:

The setting of the story during the American Holiday holds historical significance as it likely represents the period of American colonial rule in the Philippines. This context illuminates the power dynamics between the colonizers and the colonized, exemplified through the celebrations and festivities of the American Holiday. The Moro community’s marginalization and restricted access to certain areas serve as a backdrop to Alih’s unfulfilled desires and his quest for revenge. The story subtly alludes to the larger struggle for independence and self-determination during this period, reflecting the challenges faced by colonized nations under foreign rule.

Character Sketch:

1. Alih: As the central protagonist, Alih is a multifaceted character grappling with profound internal conflicts throughout the story. His early desires and affectionate nature illustrate his human vulnerability and innocence. However, the tragic loss of his father and Omar’s influence cloud his worldview, pushing him down a perilous path of violence. Despite this, Alih’s swift intervention to protect Fermina from Omar reveals his capacity for compassion and love, underscoring the intricacies of his character.
2. Omar: As Alih’s elder brother, Omar plays a pivotal role in shaping Alih’s beliefs and actions. He becomes the driving force behind Alih’s quest for vengeance, employing their father’s unjust death as a catalyst for their violent ideology. Omar’s cowardice, evident through his drunken state during the planned attack, introduces irony to his character, challenging the validity of his teachings. His fear of killing contrasts sharply with his aggressive rhetoric.
3. Fermina: Serving as a symbol of hope and emotional connection in Alih’s life, Fermina’s character adds depth to the story’s exploration of human emotions. Her beauty and allure capture Alih’s heart, but her rejection of his advances leads to his imprisonment. Fermina’s vulnerability during the tragic incident highlights the collateral damage caused by Omar and Alih’s actions, further questioning the righteousness of their mission. Her role serves as a poignant reminder of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of vengeance and violence.

Literary Devices:

1. Foreshadowing: Throughout the narrative, the author employs foreshadowing to create a sense of impending tragedy. Alih’s nostalgic reflections on his childhood desires and love interests starkly contrast with the violent mission he and Omar plan to execute. The sense of foreboding heightens as the parade progresses, building tension toward the fateful encounter between Alih, Omar, and Fermina.
2. Symbolism: The white horse serves as a potent symbol in the story, representing the allure of martyrdom and heavenly rewards promised to those who die while killing infidels. It encapsulates Alih’s longing for redemption and an afterlife marked by heroic deeds. The symbol also underscores the dangers of fanaticism and the misguided interpretation of religious teachings. The Balete tree symbolizes Alih’s moment of reflection and contemplation, providing him with a brief respite from the chaos of the parade.
3. Irony: Irony permeates the narrative, especially in Alih’s intervention to protect Fermina from Omar’s aggression. Instead of fulfilling their mission to kill, Alih inadvertently causes his brother’s death. This unexpected turn of events accentuates the complexities of human emotions and the unforeseen consequences of violent actions. The irony extends to the broader context of the story, where a day of celebration turns into a day of tragedy. The American Holiday, meant to symbolize freedom and independence, witnesses the violent clash between the Moro community and the occupying forces. The juxtaposition of joyous celebrations and the dark intentions of Alih and Omar adds depth to the story’s themes of conflict and the dual nature of human beings.
4. Internal Conflict: The narrative extensively explores Alih’s internal struggle as he wrestles with conflicting emotions and beliefs. His recollections of Lucy and Fermina evoke memories of innocent love, underscoring his yearning for human connection and a sense of belonging. However, the influence of Omar’s teachings clouds Alih’s perspective, propelling him toward vengeance. This inner conflict humanizes Alih and reinforces the notion that individuals are not mere instruments of violence but are shaped by their experiences, relationships, and doubts.
5. Collective Trauma: The story delves into the impact of collective trauma on a community. The unjust killing of Alih and Omar’s father by American soldiers forms the foundation of their desire for revenge. It highlights the lasting scars left by violence and how such experiences can perpetuate cycles of hatred and retribution. The historical context of American colonial rule further underscores the marginalization and oppression faced by the Moro community, adding depth to the narrative.

The White Horse of Alih by Alvarez Enriquez is thus a thought-provoking short story that delves into the depths of human emotions and the consequences of violent ideologies. Set against the backdrop of a city celebrating the American Holiday, the narrative explores the internal conflict of its protagonist, Alih, as he grapples with the complexities of love, revenge, and the pursuit of peace.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of vengeance and the dangers of extremist thought. Through vivid character sketches and poignant literary devices, the author highlights the human capacity for both violence and compassion, underscoring the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and understanding in fostering a more harmonious society.