NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 - A Triumph of Surgery

Read and Find Out - Page 1

Q1: Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey was very concerned and unhappy about Tricki's health because he wasn't eating. He wouldn't eat his favorite foods and kept vomiting. He spent all his time lying on a rug, breathing heavily, and wasn't interested in going for his usual walks either.

Q2: What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey tries to help Tricki by overfeeding him with extra food, and treats, and avoiding exercise, thinking it will restore his energy. However, this only makes him more overweight and lethargic. Her actions were not wise, as they worsened his condition. Eventually, she seeks help from Dr. Herriot.

Q3: Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Ans: In this story, ‘I’ refers to the veterinary surgeon, Mr Herriot.

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Read and Find Out - Page 3

Q1: Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Ans: There are parts of the story that show Dr. Herriot wasn't as wealthy as Tricki's owner, Mrs. Pumphrey. This is clear because the narrator couldn't offer the same luxurious lifestyle that Tricki had, like a cozy bed filled with favorite cushions, toys, and rubber rings, along with different bowls for each meal of the day. Instead, Dr. Herriot made a simple bed for Tricki in a warm, loose box near where the other dogs slept. Unlike Mrs. Pumphrey, the doctor also couldn't afford a whole staff of maids and caretakers just to look after and maintain Tricki's well-being.

Q2: How does he treat the dog?
Ans: Dr. Herriot didn't spoil Tricki with unnecessary treats. Instead, he treated him like an overweight and lazy dog who needed more exercise and a controlled diet. He reduced Tricki's food intake and kept a close watch on him for the first few days. Over time, he gradually increased Tricki's food with a balanced diet, which allowed him to engage in physical activities to boost his health. Slowly, Tricki's health began to improve, and he didn't need any medicine to recover from his illness.

Q3: Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Ans: Dr. Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because of the luxurious food items Mrs. Pumphrey sent, such as fresh eggs, wine, and brandy. He, along with his colleagues, enjoyed enjoying these treats, including eggs for breakfast and wine and brandy throughout the day. The steady supply of such luxury food created a strong temptation for him to keep Tricki around just to continue enjoying these treats.

Q4: Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “A Triumph of Surgery”?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey believed Tricki was seriously ill when she consulted Dr. Herriot, but within two weeks, her pet had fully recovered. She was thrilled to see that he had transformed into a fit and strong dog. When Dr. Herriot returned Tricki to her, the dog made a huge leap and landed in her lap. His recovery without any medicine was remarkable, and Mrs. Pumphrey, grateful and happy, called it "a triumph of surgery" to show her appreciation to the doctor.

Think About it - Page 6

Q1: What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
Ans: The narrator, Dr. Herriot, is a wise and tactful person. He skillfully diagnoses Tricki's condition, recognizing that it was caused by overfeeding rather than illness. Instead of opting for surgery, he adjusts Tricki's diet and encourages exercise, leading to a full recovery within two weeks. Dr. Herriot's tact is evident in how he convinces Mrs. Pumphrey to hospitalize Tricki, while his common sense ensures he treats the dog effectively. Though tempted by the luxurious food sent by Mrs. Pumphrey, he chooses to return Tricki, demonstrating his professionalism and ethical approach.

Q2: Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Ans: Yes, Tricki was happy to go home, as he had regained his health and energy after the proper care and exercise. He was no longer lethargic and looked healthier. However, now that Tricki is returning home, it is likely that Mrs. Pumphrey will resume her excessive pampering. While her love and care for Tricki are clear, her tendency to overfeed and spoil him may cause his condition to worsen again, as excess attention and indulgence can be harmful.

Q3: Do you think this is a real-life episode or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
Ans: The story appears to mix fiction with real-life events. It's common for wealthy people to overfeed their pets out of love and affection, just like Mrs. Pumphrey did. We see how her pampering led to Tricki overeating, becoming lazy, and gaining too much weight. Similarly, it's not unusual for wealthy people to give their pets a luxurious lifestyle and spoil them often. However, it seems less likely that a veterinary doctor like Dr. Herriot would go so far as to lie about surgery to protect a pet from unnecessary indulgences.

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Talk About it - Page 7

Q1: This episode describes the silly behavior of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?

Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey's misguided actions of overfeeding Tricki had a negative impact on her pet's health. She made Tricki eat too much and gave him fatty foods, thinking it was an expression of love and care. This led to his condition worsening, making him so lazy and overweight that he couldn't even go for short walks. Wealthy people like Mrs. Pumphrey often spoil their pets with excessive food, believing it will improve their health, but this can actually have harmful effects.

Q2: Do you think there are also parents like Mrs. Pumphrey?

Ans: Yes, some parents, like Mrs. Pumphrey, spoil their children by over-indulging and pampering them. They may overfeed their children or pets, even though they know the negative effects of overeating on their health. It is important for parents like Mrs. Pumphrey to monitor and maintain a healthy lifestyle for their family members and pets to avoid such issues.

Q3: What would you have done if you were:
(i) a member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household,
(ii) a neighbour? 
What would your life have been like, in general?
Ans:

(i) If I were a member of the staff in Mrs. Pumphrey's household, I would have followed the vet's advice, ensuring Tricki received the proper diet and regular exercise to maintain his health. I would not have blindly followed Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgent habits, such as sending unnecessary luxuries to the hospital. My life would have been busy, balancing household duties while taking care of Tricki’s needs.

(ii) If I were Mrs. Pumphrey’s neighbor, I would have advised her to keep Tricki on a strict, healthy diet and engage him in physical activities like playing or walking. If his health worsened, I would have encouraged her to consult a vet and strictly follow the advice. I would have offered support and kindness, especially when Tricki needed hospitalization. Living next to Mrs. Pumphrey would have been filled with surprises, as she was generous and loving, often sharing gifts and treats.

Q4: What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
Ans: If I were in the narrator’s place, I would show compassion towards Tricki and be firm with Mrs. Pumphrey about his strict diet and exercise. I would resist the temptation to enjoy the luxury food sent by her and would return Tricki once he recovered, maintaining professionalism.