Class 9 English Extra Question Answers - A Dog Named Duke

Q1. In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. A big genuine grin civilized his highly competitive nature. Standing six-foot-one, he'd played on the university football team. He was already a hard-charging Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company. 
(i) Who was Hooper? 
(ii)What do you mean by a 'favoured young man'? 
(iii) Write three adjectives used for Chuck Hooper.

Ans: (i) He was a Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company.
(ii) Chuck Hooper was living his life to the fullest. There were no obstacles in his life.
(iii) Favoured, genuine and competitive are used to describe Hooper.

Q2. One of Chuck's district managers drove Marcy to the hospital. Her husband couldn't talk; he could only breathe and see and his vision was double. Marcy phoned a neighbour, asking him to put Duke in a kennel. 
(i) Who was Marcy?
(ii) Why was Chuck's condition deteriorating?
(iii) Why do you think Marcy wanted to put Duke in a kennel?

Ans: (i) She was the wife of Chuck Hooper.
(ii) He had met with an accident and got a subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely.
(iii) She wanted so as she knew that she would be away for several days to look after Chuck in the hospital and consequently there would be no one to look after the pet.

Q3. Finally, they decided to bring Duke home. Chuck said he wanted to be standing when Duke came in, so they stood him up. Duke's at follow. nails were long from four months confinement and when he spied Chuck he stood quivering like 5000 volts, then he let out a bellow, spun his long-nailed wheels and launched himself across three metres of air. 
(i) Where had Duke been earlier? 
(ii) What does the extract reflect about the dog's attitude towards Hooper? (iii) Which literary device has been used in the above lines?

Ans: (i) Duke had been sent to a kennel by Marcy.
(ii) He was overjoyed and excited when he saw Hooper.
(iii) The author has used Simile: quivering like 5000 volts in the above lines.

Q4. The once-iron muscles slacked on the rangy frame. Secretly, Marcy cried as she watched the big man's grin fade away. Severe face lines set in like cement, as Chuck stared at the ceiling for hours, then out of the window, then at Duke. 
(i) Identify 'the big man' in the current extract. 
(ii) Why did the big man's grin fade away? 
(iii) Explain 'Severe face, lines set in like cement as Chuck stared at the ceiling'.

Ans: (i) 'The big man' refers to the paralyzed Chuck Hooper.
(ii) The big man's grin faded away because he had met with an accident and got subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely.
(iii) Just as the lines in cement are clearly visible, similarly empty facial expressions could be seen on Chuck's face clearly as he watched at the ceiling silently.

Q5. When two fellows stare at each other day in, day out and one can't move and the other can't talk, boredom sets in. 
(i) Why can 'one' not move? 
(ii) Why can't the 'other' talk? 
(iii) Name an indefinite pronoun used in the current extract. 
or 
(i) Name the two fellows referred to in the above extract. 
(ii) Why was one of them unable to move? 
(iii) How do they finally manage to overcome the boredom?

Ans: (i) One (Hooper) cannot move as he is paralyzed.
(ii) Other (Duke) cannot talk as he is an animal.
(iii) One is used as an indefinite pronoun in the above extract.
or
(i) The two fellows are Chuck Hooper and his dog, Duke.
(ii) Chuck Hooper was unable to move as a fatal accident had left him paralyzed.
(iii) The two fellows managed to overcome the boredom only after Chuck decided to walk.

Q6. But Duke wouldn't. He'd lie down with a reproachful eye on Hooper. An hour later, he would come over to the bed again and yap and poke. He wouldn't leave but just sit there. 
(i) Explain- But Duke wouldn't. 
(ii) Why would Duke cast a 'reproachful eye' on Hooper?
(iii) Which two words are related to dogs?

Ans: (i) Hooper instructed him to go and run around the house which Duke wouldn't do. (ii) He wanted to show that Hooper was criticizing him for not showing any zest.
(iii) Yap and poke are related to dogs.

Q7. One evening Chuck's good hand idly hooked the leash onto Duke's collar to hold him still. It was like lighting a fuse: Duke shimmied himself U-shaped in anticipation. 

(i) Explain 'It was like lighting a fuse.' 
(ii) What are all of them busy in? 
(iii) What do you understand by 'Duke shimmied himself?
or 
(i) What is the author referring to by 'good hand'? 
(ii) What was lighting a fuse? 
(iii) What was Duke in anticipation of?

Ans: (i) Chuck hooked the leash onto Duke's collar to hold him still. After some efforts, he took a step. It was a step on the road to recovery.
(ii) Hooper wants to move his paralyzed leg and Marcy and Duke are helping him.
(iii) Duke shook or vibrated in a U-shape like a hockey stick so that Hooper might stand. or
(i) The author is referring to Hooper's right hand as 'good hand'.
(ii) The hooking of the leash on to Duke's collar and Duke's movement was like lighting a fuse.
(iii) Duke had been anticipating that his master would walk.

Q8. The pair set daily goals, Monday, the 6th fence post, Tuesday, the 7th fence post, Wednesday...... 
(i) Identify the pair. 
(ii) What was their daily goal? 
(iii) Why did they need to set daily goals?

Ans: (i) The pair refers to Hooper and Duke.
(ii) Their daily goal was to cover more and more distance.
(iii) They needed to set daily goals because Hooper had realized that he could start walking normally.

Q9. Chuck said, "Gordon, this isn't just a visit. Bring me up to date on what's happened, will you so I can get to work?" Double gaped. "It'll just be an hour a day for a while," Hooper continued. "I'll use that empty desk in the warehouse. And I'll need a dictating machine." 
(i) Identify Gordon. 
(ii) How has Hooper reached his office? 
(iii) What does Hooper want from Gordon?

Ans: (i) Gordon is the manager of the company Hooper works for.
(ii) He has made the first move without Duke.
(iii) He wants Gordon to arrange an empty desk to enable him to work an hour a day.

Q10. When a man fights hard for a comeback, who wants to tell him he can't handle his old job? On the other hand, what can you do with a salesman who can't move around and can work only an hour a day? 
(i) Describe the context of the current extract. 
(ii) What is the problem of the authorities? 
(iii) Are they right or wrong? How?

Ans: (i) Hooper has asked the authorities to let him work, thus posing problems for them
(ii) They can't ask Hooper not to work nor can they retain a salesman, who can't move around and is capable of working only an hour a day.
(iii) They are wrong. They should let him work as he wants. There is no harm in doing it.

Q11. All they knew was that their new neighbor walked like a struggling mechanical giant and that he was always pulled by a rampageous dog that acted as if he owned the man. 
(i) Identify 'they'.
(ii) Identify the figures of speech used in the current extract with the example. (iii) Write the synonym of 'rampageous'. 
or 
(i) Name the 'new neighbour' and his 'rampageous dog'. 
(ii) Why did the 'new neighbour' walk like a struggling mechanical giant? 
(iii) Give the meaning of 'rampageous'.

Ans: (i) They are the people in the new suburb, where the Hoopers have bought a house
(ii) Simile- walked like a struggling mechanical giant is used in the above extract.
(iii) 'Violent' is the synonym of 'rampageous'.
or
(i) The 'new neighbour' was Chuck Hooper and his rampageous dog was Duke.
(ii) Chuck walked like a struggling mechanical giant as he suffered from paralysis.
(iii) Rampageous means are violent.

Q12. 'No, please,' she said. And she picked up the big Duke, carried him gently to the car and drove him to the animal hospital. 
(i) What happened with Duke?
(ii) What does Marcy's reaction reflect?
(iii) Did Duke recover? 
or 
(i) Who is 'she' in the above lines? 
(ii) To whom did 'she' say 'No'? 
(iii) Why did she take Duke to the animal hospital?  

Ans: (i) He was run over a vehicle.
(ii) Her reaction reflects that she has developed a great liking for Duke.
(iii) No, he died due. to having severe injuries.
or
(i) 'She' refers to Marcy, Hooper's wife.
(ii) She said no to the people who wanted to lift the injured Duke.
(iii) Duke was severely injured in an accident and was thus taken to the hospital.
 

Q13. In 1953, Hooper was a famous young man. Explain. or What made Hooper a favoured man in the year 1953? or In what sense was Hooper a favoured young man? Discuss.

Ans: In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man due to several key attributes. He stood tall at six-foot-one and was known for his handsome appearance. As a Zone Sales Manager for a chemical company, he led a successful and fulfilling life. His genuine smile reflected his positive outlook, and his competitive nature was evident from his time on the university football team. Everything seemed to be going well for him, as he had achieved all his aspirations.

Q14. What happened to Hooper? or What was the incident that left Hooper with subdural haemorrhage?

Ans: One autumn twilight, while driving home, Hooper was involved in an accident when a car unexpectedly pulled out in front of him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural haemorrhage affecting the motor section of his brain, which resulted in complete paralysis of his left side. For a long time, he relied on a wheelchair. During his recovery, Hooper faced significant challenges. Initially, he was unable to speak and could only breathe and see, experiencing double vision. After a month in critical condition, his company offered him a year off, promising to create a desk job for him at headquarters. Six weeks post-accident, he was placed in a wheelchair and began daily rehabilitation, which included working on his paralysed arm and leg, alongside baths and exercises. However, progress was slow. Upon his release from the hospital in March, the initial excitement of returning home faded, and he struggled with feelings of despair. He felt isolated in his grief and pain, especially as he could not connect with his dog, Duke, who sensed his condition. Despite these challenges, Hooper was determined to regain his independence, setting a goal to return to work full-time. Thirteen months after his accident, Hooper achieved his objective and was appointed Assistant National Sales Manager, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Q15. Describe subsequent developments which took place in the hospital after he met with an accident. or How did Chuck Hooper get confined to his bed?

Ans: After the accident, Hooper was in a critical condition for a month due to a subdural haemorrhage that left him completely paralysed on his left side. Following five weeks in the hospital, some of his colleagues suggested he take a year off work, promising to create a desk job for him at headquarters. About six weeks post-accident, he was placed in a wheelchair. Daily rehabilitation included exercises for his paralysed arm and leg, along with baths and the use of a wheeled walker, but progress was slow. In March, he was discharged from the hospital, but the initial excitement of returning home faded quickly, leading him to a new low. During his recovery, he felt isolated as his wife, Marcy, left for work each day. To alleviate his loneliness, they decided to bring his dog, Duke, home. Chuck insisted on standing to greet Duke, who reacted joyfully, reinforcing their bond. From that moment, Duke remained by Chuck's side, helping him regain his strength and mobility.

Q16. How did Duke react when he saw Hooper after his discharge from the hospital?

Ans: Duke's reaction upon seeing Hooper after his hospital discharge was one of deep concern and loyalty. Initially, Duke displayed signs of anticipation and excitement, nudging and poking at Hooper. However, as he realised the extent of Hooper's condition, Duke's behaviour changed dramatically. He became more subdued, lying beside Hooper with a reproachful eye, indicating his awareness that something was wrong. Despite Hooper's attempts to encourage Duke to play, the dog remained close, refusing to leave his master's side. This unwavering loyalty highlighted the special bond they shared, as Duke seemed to understand that Hooper was not well and needed his support during this challenging time.

Q17. What are your views about Marcy Hooper?

Ans: Marcy Hooper is depicted as a petite blonde who initially desired a Pomeranian as a pet. At first, she was not fond of Duke, the Doberman, but over time, her feelings changed. Duke played a crucial role in helping her husband, Chuck, recover from his illness. Marcy's love for her husband was profound, and she found his sadness difficult to bear.

Q18. Who is the real protagonist of the story and why?

Ans: The real protagonist of the story is Duke. He was not only loyal but also deeply attached to his master, Chuck Hooper. Duke exhibited remarkable intelligence and his love had a profound impact that surpassed what science could achieve. After Duke's death, the story felt incomplete, yet Hooper's promotion serves as a reminder of Duke's unwavering service and loyalty to him.

Q19. Differentiate between Marcy's attitude towards Duke before and after the accident. or Why did Marcy's attitude towards Duke change? How did she react after Duke met with a fatal accident?

Ans: Initially, Marcy disliked Duke because she preferred a Pomeranian as a pet. This aversion made her hesitant about bringing Duke home. However, as Duke played a crucial role in helping her husband, Hooper, recover, Marcy's feelings began to change. She grew to appreciate Duke's support and companionship. By the time of Duke's accident, her affection for him had deepened significantly; she refused to let anyone else touch him and personally carried him to the car, demonstrating her strong bond with the dog.

Q20. What special qualities made Duke an extraordinary dog? or Duke was an extraordinary dog. What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this? Discuss.

Ans: Duke was an extraordinary dog known for his remarkable qualities. He displayed a deep understanding of his master, Chuck Hooper, especially during challenging times. When Chuck returned home, Duke instinctively jumped on him, but upon seeing Chuck struggle to maintain his balance, he recognised his pain and helplessness. From that moment, Duke never repeated the act of jumping, showing his ability to learn and adapt. His primary role was to assist Chuck in his recovery. Duke's presence and support were crucial, as he motivated Chuck to regain his strength. The bond they shared was evident; Duke seemed to know that his job was to help Chuck get back on his feet. This unwavering loyalty and understanding were key to Duke's extraordinary nature, ultimately aiding in Chuck's recovery.
 

Q21. Describe Hooper's state after he met with an accident. or Why was Hooper depressed at home after being released from the hospital?

Ans: Hooper's life had come to a standstill. A tall handsome manager, wearing a broad smile on his face was reduced to a statue of sadness. His smile had faded away. Life at home was depressing as his wife went to work. He used to stare at the ceiling, with an empty and sad appearance.

Q22. How did the journey to recovery begin?

Ans: The journey to recovery began with Duke's persistent encouragement. His reproachful gaze motivated Hooper to take action. With the leash attached to Duke, and Marcy's assistance, Hooper attempted to walk. This marked his first step towards recovery, symbolising hope and determination. Over the following days, Hooper gradually increased his steps, taking five on Wednesday, six on Thursday, and even though he faced setbacks, he continued to push forward. With Duke's support, he set daily goals, striving to reach specific points in their neighbourhood. Marcy noticed the positive impact Duke had on Hooper and consulted the doctor, who recommended a structured physiotherapy plan that included daily walks with Duke. As time passed, the community began to witness Hooper's progress. By June, news spread that he and Duke had ventured further than ever before, showcasing their remarkable journey together.

Q23. Which exercises was Hooper recommended?

Ans: Hooper was advised to follow a physiotherapy programme that included the use of weights, pulleys, and whirlpool baths. Most importantly, he was encouraged to walk every day with his dog, Duke, gradually increasing the distance over time.

Q24. Describe Hooper's first big move. or Why was 4th January an eventful day for Chuck Hooper?

Ans: 4th January was a significant day for Chuck Hooper. Without his dog Duke, he managed to walk 200 metres from the clinic to his company's local branch office. The staff were surprised by his visit. Hooper asked his manager, Gordon Doule, to update him on recent events, stating, "This isn't just a visit. I want to start working one hour a day." Doule was taken aback, but Hooper insisted he would use an empty desk in the warehouse and requested a dictating machine.

Q25. What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company's headquarters? or How did the members of the staff react when Chuck visited his district office without Duke?

Ans: When Chuck returned to the company's headquarters, his visit initially surprised the staff. However, when he informed his manager, Gordon Doule, that he would only be able to work for an hour each day, the reaction was less enthusiastic. The management faced a dilemma; they were reluctant to tell him he could not manage his old role, yet they were concerned about having a salesman who could only work for a limited time and was unable to move freely. They were unsure how to accommodate his needs while also addressing the practical challenges his situation presented.

Q26. What happened with Duke?

Ans: On the evening of 12th October 1957, the Hoopers had guests when an unfortunate accident occurred involving Duke. Marcy quickly took him to the hospital. Despite being drugged, Duke managed to hold on until 11 o'clock the next morning, but sadly, he succumbed to his severe injuries.

Q27. How was Hooper rewarded in his office?

Ans: Hooper was rewarded in his office due to Duke's genuine love and support, rather than his own achievements. He was promoted to Assistant National Sales Manager, a recognition that was entirely attributed to Duke's influence and dedication.

Q28. What was the tribute to Duke? or Why do you think Chuck Hooper's appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?

Ans: Chuck Hooper's appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is regarded as a tribute to Duke because it reflects the significant impact Duke had on Hooper's life. Hooper's promotion was a direct result of Duke's unwavering support and inspiration during a challenging time. Duke's contributions were recognised through this advancement, symbolising the bond they shared and the role Duke played in Hooper's recovery and success.

Q29. Justify the title of the story.

Ans: The title of the story is very fitting because Duke is the central figure throughout. His presence is crucial; without him, the narrative loses its significance. The title sparks curiosity about Duke, who is portrayed as an essential character, or the protagonist of the tale.

Q30. Write a note on the theme of the story.

Ans: The story imparts valuable lessons about resilience and the power of love. It emphasises that every challenge can be overcome with perseverance and courage. Additionally, it highlights that love often triumphs where human efforts fall short. The narrative encourages us to maintain hope and not allow adversities to hinder our progress.

Q31. They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at headquarters
(i) Who are 'they'? 
(ii) Why did they decide to do this?  

Ans: 'They' refers to the representatives of the chemical company where Chuck Hooper worked. After his accident, which left him paralysed, they visited him in the hospital and suggested he take a year off. They decided to create a desk job for him at headquarters to accommodate his new circumstances.

Q32. "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Elucidate this quote with reference to the current story, explaining the value of love, which provides strength and courage?

Ans: It is indeed true that being deeply loved by someone provides you with strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Love is a powerful force that transcends species, boundaries, and language, creating profound impacts in our lives. In the current story, the dog serves as a perfect example of love. He has an immense affection for his master, Chuck Hooper. The mere sight of Chuck fills the dog with excitement, causing him to quiver with joy. He remains faithfully by Chuck's side, unable to communicate verbally but profoundly affected by his master's silence and pain. The dog's unwavering presence plays a crucial role in Chuck's journey towards recovery. Without the dog's love and support, Chuck's healing would have been nearly impossible. Eventually, Chuck does recover and returns to work, but tragically, the dog passes away, leaving Chuck alone. The bond they shared exemplifies how love can provide the strength needed to overcome adversity and the courage to face life's challenges.
 

Q33. Imagine you are Chuck Hooper. You have recovered from your illness but your pet has left you forever. Write a diary entry. or Duke's re-entry into Hooper's life brought a metamorphosis. As Hooper, write a diary entry recording the efforts made by Duke to revitalize you and help you walk step by step.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March 20XX, 11 pm 

Dear Diary 

My buddy, my best friend, Puke has departed, leaving me along with my thoughts. I am feeling very miserable and lonely. He came, he changed my life, and then he disappeared. Without him, I would have never recovered from my illness. When I met with an accident, life sounded empty and hollow. But now when I am perfectly fine, life ' appears meaningless as my saviour is not with me. I am haunted by his memories. Time is a great healer. But some wounds never heal. The more time passes, the more they hurt you, not physically but mentally and spiritually. My Puke has given me such a wound. 

Chuck

Q34. When a person loses something, he is shocked and gets into a state of denial leading to anger. In such a situation coping well leads to acceptance and a changed way of living in view of the loss. Taking cues from what happened or might have happened with Hooper, write your views in the form of an article about 'Coping with Loss' in 80-100 words.

Ans: Coping With Loss By Anita Majumdar, IX-A Hooper was leading a normal life. But suddenly his life came to a halt when he met with a severe accident, resulting in paralysis. Suddenly Duke appeared as a saviour in his life. He put his master on the road to a miraculous and wonderful recovery and when he recovered, Duke died. Hooper got life back but lost the life-giver. It is really very difficult and painful to cope with this loss. Death is inevitable and we all have to submit before its will. With the passage of time, he might learn to cope with this loss. Life is meant to be lived. It will not stop and one cannot lament someone's lost forever. We have to move on.

Q35. As a reader, make a diary entry discussing your reaction to the relationship shared between Chuck and Duke.

Ans: Wednesday 11th March 20XX. 11 pm 

Dear Diary 

The dog is a symbol of loyalty. Guy having read the current story, I was wonder struck to read about the relationship shared between Charles and Puke. The story describes Puke's amazing loyalty towards his paralyzed master Chuck Hooper as well as the bond of love between the two. Puke instills in Hooper, a hope to recover soon and lead a normal life as earlier. Hooper recovers, walks on foot and gets promoted to a higher post in his office but by that time Puke has expired. The current story conveys that love knows no species or language and can do wonders.

Q36. After Duke's death, Marcy was asked to write an article for the local newspaper. She decides to write an article on the topic, 'Dog is a Man's Best Friend'. Write it for her 80-100 words.

Ans: Dog is a Man's Best Friend By Marcy Hooper The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have is the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is a dog as was our Duke. Duke stood by Chuck in his happiness and sorrow in health and in sickness. When all other friends deserted Chuck, he remained as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. Duke made Chuck recover from his paralysis through his love and devotion to Chuck. Truly, a dog is man's best friend.

Q37. Give a character sketch of Chuck Hooper in your own words citing examples from the lesson "A Dog Named Duke".

Ans: Charles Hooper, a tall and handsome sales manager for a chemical company, was a man of remarkable courage. He met with an accident and got a subdural haemorrhage, paralyzing his left side completely. But he mustered the courage to adapt himself to the new, unavoidable situation. He demonstrated great per- severance while he was struggling for survival with the help of his dog, Duke. The road to recovery was a long and painful process - but Hooper never lost hope. It was his courage and belief that helped him recover from his misery. The faith and endurance that he shows are truly commendable.

Q38. Attempt character sketch of Marcy Hooper.

Ans: Marcy Hooper was a petite blonde woman who initially desired a Pomeranian as a pet. However, her husband, Charles, brought home a Doberman Pinscher named Duke instead. At first, Marcy was not fond of Duke, but her feelings changed when she witnessed him aiding Charles during his recovery from an accident. When Duke was injured, Marcy refused to let anyone else handle him and carried him to the car herself. Her love for her husband was profound, and she was deeply affected when she saw him sitting silently and sorrowfully during his paralysis. Marcy cried quietly, showing her emotional strength. Although she played a crucial role in Charles's recovery, she remained an unsung heroine in this narrative, demonstrating her resilience and dedication.

Q39. Who was Duke? What do you know about him?    

Ans: Duke was a lively and playful Doberman Pinscher who was four years old and weighed 23 kilos. His coat was a striking red with a fawn vest. Duke required a large living space due to his energetic nature. He was the true protagonist of the story, which bears his name. Duke played a crucial role in helping his owner, Chuck Hooper, recover from a serious condition. Without Duke's support, Hooper's recovery would have been much more challenging. The bond between them was profound, as Duke loved and cared for Chuck deeply. Tragically, Duke's life was cut short due to an accident, but his legacy lived on through Hooper's promotion to Assistant National Sales Manager, which served as a tribute to Duke's unwavering dedication and the impact he had on Hooper's life.