CBSE Class 10 English A Triumph of Surgery Important Questions Set 03

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. What was the main cause of Tricki’s problems?
Answer: The main cause of Tricki’s problems was his greed. He was unable to refuse any food being offered to him by his indulgent mistress. He could not resist sweets like cream cakes and chocolates. All this made him fat, lethargic and ill.

Question 2. The household dogs at the surgery rejected Tricki as an uninteresting object. Why?
Answer: As soon as Tricki was introduced into the yard, all the household dogs swarmed around him and sniffed him. However, since he kept lying listless and did not play with them due to his health problem, the dogs thought of him as an uninteresting object and rejected him.

Question 3. What was the major flaw in Tricki?
Answer: The major flaw in Tricki was his greed. He could tackle a meal at any hour of the day due to which, he had gained an excessive weight that turned him to a lazy and unhealthy animal.

Question 4. Mrs. Pumphrey’s love for her dog is exceptional. Do you agree/disagree? Give reasons.
Answer: Of course, Mrs Pumphrey’s love for Tricki is exceptional. The manner in which she had bought things for his comfort like cushions, coats, toys, rubber rings and different feeding bowls show that she adored him. In addition, she fed Tricki with rich food like cream cakes and chocolates. However, when her excessive love ruined his health, she did not hesitate to get him medical help instantly.

Question 5. What made Herriot conclude that Tricki had never had such a time in his life as he had at the surgery?
Answer: Herriot observed that Tricki too fought like a tiger with the dogs at the hospital for his share at mealtimes and hunted rats with him in the old hen-house at night. This fun-filled life of Tricki made Herriot conclude that the dog had never had such a time in his life.

Question 6. Why did Mrs Pumphrey think that her dog’s recovery was a triumph of surgery?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey thought that her dog’s recovery was a triumph of surgery because Tricki had regained perfect health within a span of a few days only. Such a quick and complete cure is usually possible only after surgery. However, she was not right in this belief since Tricki had recovered through the simple process of strict diet and exercise.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Mrs. Pumphrey, the over-indulgent and caring mistress of Tricki, pampers her pet dog like a spoiled child. Comment. (Delhi 2020)
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of love for her pet dog Tricki. She loved to live comfortably in a luxurious way. She took extra care of Tricki by overfeeding him. She was not able to make out that the excess weight did not allow the dog to move and play. She was so fond of her dog that she had got a separate wardrobe for him, beds for daytime and night-time, and a number of lovely coats. She pampered Tricki by giving him food that should not be given to a dog. She could not refuse delicious and favourite food to Tricki, which made him overweight and inactive. Even in the hospital, she sent him eggs, wine and brandy. Her fondness for the dog and care were in excess. She forgot that excess of everything is bad. She fed him like anything and made him sick. No doubt, Mrs Pumphrey was a very loving and caring mistress but her excessive pampering of Tricki proved otherwise.

Question 2. Give a brief character sketch of Mrs Pumphrey.
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was a rich lady with a lot of love for her pet dog, Tricki. She loved to live comfortably in a luxurious way. She took extra care of Tricki by overfeeding him. She was not very intelligent, as she was not able to make out that the excess weight did not allow the dog to move and play. She thought that her loving pet was seriously ill. She was so fond of her dog that she had got a separate wardrobe for him, beds for daytime and night-time, and a number of lovely coats. She pampered Tricki by giving him food that should not be given to a dog. She was really a loving lady, as the news about the treatment of her pet dog shocked her and her eyes brimmed with tears. She could not refuse delicious and favourite food to Tricki, which made him overweight and inactive. Even in the hospital, she sent him eggs and wine. Her fondness for the dog and extra care showed that she had a motherly attitude towards Tricki.

Question 3. Write a brief character sketch of Mr Herriot, the veterinary surgeon. What impresses you the most in him? Do you think he is a good judge of human nature?
Answer: Mr Herriot was a genius veterinary surgeon and, above that, a good human being.
Mr Herriot had a deep understanding of veterinary medical science and psychology. He was quick to analyse the factors responsible for the lack of fitness and ill health of Tricki. He judged Mrs Pumphrey’s nature well and handled her tactfully. Apart from being an expert veterinary surgeon, he also had a lighter side, which is evident from what he did with the eggs and wine sent for Tricki. Hence, we can say that Mr Herriot was a successful veterinary surgeon with a caring heart for animals as well as for human beings.

Question 4. Animals also understand the language of love. They have a loving attitude towards their masters. Elaborate with reference to the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
Answer: Tricki was a very lucky dog to be looked after by a very sensitive lady, Mrs Pumphrey, who looked after him like a pampered child. Tricki was fed on such delicacies as might be a matter of jealousy for other dogs. Tricki also loved the heart that cared for him. After he had stayed with Mr Herriot for about a fortnight, he was eager to meet his mistress. The moment he saw her come to pick him up, he rushed to her with a tremendous leap. He expressed his love for her by licking her face and barking. He was excited when he met her after some time. He was so loving and excited on meeting her that she could not hold back her tears. This behaviour of Tricki makes us realise that animals are also grateful to their loving masters.

Question 5. Obesity is a common problem nowadays. People live to eat and don’t eat to live. What should be our approach to our diet? Does being rich mean to eat and feed too much like Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer: The lethargic life led by Tricki at home makes us feel that probably he lived to eat. Tricki had become very greedy. He would never refuse to eat whatever and whenever it was given to him. His mistress overfed him to increase his intake of nutrients in order to give him vigour. But that affected him adversely and made him obese and a dull dog. He suffered from the sickness called obesity.
Obesity is a common problem nowadays. People live to eat and don’t eat to live. Junk food and fast food have become a status symbol. Even students in schools bring food from branded food chains to show off. Being rich does not mean eating too much. We should eat balanced and natural food. We should eat to gain stamina and good health and not to gain weight. We should eat to improve our health and not to spoil it.

Question 6. The narrative functions as a cautionary tale, warning readers about the consequences of overfeeding and lack of exercise. Comment.
Answer: The story acts as a cautionary tale, urging readers to be mindful of the consequences of overindulgence and the lack of proper exercise in pet care. For instance, Mrs. Pumphrey's constant pampering by giving Tricki extras between meals led to his obesity and listlessness. Moreover, she struggled to cut down on sweet treats, further exacerbating Tricki's health issues. The absence of regular exercise also resulted in Tricki's lack of energy. However, when Tricki was introduced to the other dogs and encouraged to play and exercise, he transformed into a healthy and active pet. This teaches us the significance of responsible pet ownership, which involves providing balanced nutrition and regular exercise for our pet's well-being.

Question 7. Imagine yourself as Mrs. Pumphrey and write a diary entry in about 120 words, exploring the theme of responsible pet ownership in the context of Tricki.
Answer: 12 March 20XX, Monday 4 : 30 pm
Dear Diary,
It's been a little overwhelming today. I can't help but feel bad about what Dr. Herriot told me about Tricki's health. It hurts to see Tricki struggle because of my excessive love and care without being practical about his declining health. I'm concerned about depriving him of his favorite treats because the veterinarian suggested a strict diet and increased exercise. It's difficult to strike a balance between his happiness and his health. Tricki and I are starting a new routine tomorrow, and I really hope I can remain strong for him. It can be challenging to be a responsible pet owner, but I want the best for my little companion. It's a process of learning, and my goal is to ensure Tricki has a long and healthy life. Mrs.
Pumphrey

Question 8. Imagine Mrs. Pumphrey comes to know how Tricki was actually treated. Write a brief note to the narrator on her behalf.
You may begin this way:
Dear Mr. Herriot,
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she came to my house to meet Tricki along with her pet, Pixie. I spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to me. Imagine my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing to you to share ______ (continue)
Answer: B-101 New Jersey
28 December, 20XX
Dear Mr. Herriot,
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she came to my house to meet Tricki along with her pet, Pixie. I spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to me. Imagine my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing to you to share my utter displeasure at the wrong information given by you regarding Tricki’s treatment. I got so worried about my pet when you told me that he would have to undergo surgery. I had spent sleepless nights. I wonder why you lied to me. I had placed my complete trust in you. But you broke it. Although, I am still grateful to you for curing Tricki, I am upset at the fact that, as the owner of the pet, I was not given the correct information about his treatment.
Yours truly Mrs.
Pumphrey

Question 9. What kind of a person do you think Mr. Herriot is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
Answer: The narrator is a veterinary surgeon. He is a tactful person. He knew that Tricki was about to fall into trouble. He was sure about Tricki’s treatment and suggested his hospitalisation and being kept under observation. He said Tricki would have to undergo surgery but instead let him mix with other dogs and did not pamper him. Tactfully, he treated Tricki by giving him less food and more exercise. He had common sense. He realised that there was no need for surgery for Tricki, and the only treatment for his illness was to change his eating habits and give him more physical exercise.

Question 10. This episode describes the silly behaviour 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?
Answer: The episode describes the silly behaviour of Mrs. Pumphrey. She was rich and lonely. She loved her dog and overpampered him. She was emotionally attached to him. Due to her pampering, the dog had become obese and eventually fell ill. She was overprotective and her indulgence was foolish. Mr. Herriot, the veterinary surgeon, had warned her and given her certain instructions, but she did not pay any heed to them. This resulted in Tricki falling ill. Yes, I think such people can cause harm to others, as it is evident that Mrs. Pumphrey's foolishness put Tricki in trouble.

Question 11. Imagine that Mrs. Pumphrey from ‘A Triumph of Surgery’, reflects upon her behaviour, learns from her mistakes, and writes a diary entry about the consequences of overindulgence. Write this diary entry as Mrs. Pumphrey in about 120 words. (CBSE Practice Set - 1, 2023)
Answer: 31 March 20XX, Monday 5 p.m.
Dear Diary,
Today, I had a dreadful realisation. I love my dear Tricki, but I fear that that love has caused me to excessively indulge and pamper my dear pet. The sight of him, bloated and unhealthy, broke my heart. I believed that showering him with treats was a sign of care.
But instead, I was causing him more harm than good. Thank goodness for Mr. Herriot. He aptly deduced that the reason for Tricki's decline in health was my lack of strict boundaries with Tricki. When he noticed that I was not following his advice, he took Tricki away from me to take care of him. During Tricki's absence, I began to reflect on my actions. Old habits die hard, but I will try my best to be a better caretaker for Tricki now that he is back home.
Mrs.
Pumphrey

Question 12. Dr. Herriot has been invited to speak at a community pet adoption drive. He has decided to give a speech on Animal welfare and the need to avoid excessive pampering. Prepare a speech of about 120 words with reference to the story.
Answer: Good morning, everyone.
I am happy to see so many of you here to adopt a pet. Today, I wish to speak on animal welfare and the need to avoid excessive pampering.
Some time ago, I treated a little dog named Tricki. His owner loved him so much that she fed him cream cakes and chocolates and hardly let him walk. Tricki became so fat and weak that he could barely move. When I gave him a simple diet and plenty of exercise with other dogs, he became healthy and lively again.
Loving a pet means giving it the right food, regular exercise, timely vaccination and attention — not endless treats. Please be responsible owners.
Thank you.

Question 13. A character arc is the transformation or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a character undergoes as a result of their experiences, challenges, and interactions with other characters. In the light of the above information, trace the character arc of Tricki in the story, 'A Triumph of Surgery'
Answer: At the beginning of the story, Tricki is a pampered and overfed dog. His mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey, gives him extras between meals, cream cakes and chocolates, and he gets very little exercise. As a result, he becomes fat, lazy and lethargic, and finally falls ill, refusing food and suffering from bouts of vomiting.
The turning point comes when Mr. Herriot takes him to his surgery. There, Tricki is given no food for two days and then mixes and plays with other dogs, joining them at mealtimes. Slowly, he becomes active and energetic.
By the end, Tricki is a healthy, lively dog who leaps into his mistress’s car with joy. His arc shows a transformation from a sick, spoilt pet to a fit and happy one.

Question 14. What did Mrs. Pumphrey do to bring Tricki back to normal health? Was she wise? (Delhi 2011)
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey thought that Tricki was suffering from malnutrition. To bring Tricki back to normal health, Mrs. Pumphrey fed Tricki something extra in between his meals. She gave him some malt and cod-liver oil, and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep. In addition to that, she also gave Tricki cream cakes and chocolates because they were his favourites and Mrs. Pumphrey could not refuse him.
No, it was not wise on Mrs. Pumphrey’s part to feed Tricki just about anything, especially sweets. It went against Tricki’s health. He became fat, his eyes were bloodshot and rheumy, and his tongue lolled from his jaws.

Question 15. Comment on the aptness of the title of the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
Answer: Surgery is the hospital for the sick dogs. It also refers to medical aid in allopathy. The title refers to both these meanings. Tricki is the dear dog of Mrs. Pumphrey. It falls ill. Mrs. Pumphrey gets sad at its illness. She calls the author, who is a veterinary surgeon. He takes Tricki to the surgery. He regulates Tricki’s diet. He makes it run with other dogs. It becomes all right after the treatment at the surgery. So, the importance of the surgery is clear. The chapter is all about this. So, it is appropriately titled. The title is the main idea of the story. It runs through it.

Question 16. Briefly discuss Dr. Herriot as a doctor of good moral values.
Answer: What Dr. Herriot did shows him as a man of character. By profession he was a veterinary doctor. So, it was his moral duty to send Tricki back when he got well. He could have kept Tricki for a longer time. Thus, he could have enjoyed good food during Tricki’s stay. But he chose not to stoop so low in his profession. In this way, he upheld the moral and professional values that are still there in the medical profession. He didn’t break the trust of others in any way. Such people or professionals are not many in number. Today, there are a large number of professionals who can go to any extent to earn money by hook or by crook. The values of status, self-respect and true professionalism are rare. There are still good people like Dr. Herriot.

Question 17. Do you think parents like Mrs. Pumphrey exist? If yes, is it a good thing to pamper children? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, parents like Mrs. Pumphrey definitely exist. They spoil their children by making sure all their demands are met. They spoil their children in the name of love and care. They not only feed them junk but also spoil their social habits. In today’s world, where mostly both parents are working, they try to compensate for their absence through gifts and pampering. This kind of behaviour is very harmful for children. Such overprotective parental behaviour hinders their growth as adults. In fact, it generates greed and dependency in them. They become stubborn and do not learn to value anything. For them, hard work is not required because they get everything easily. Over-pampered children often fail to face the hardships of life later, as for them life has been a cakewalk. Pampering children in moderation is healthy, but excess of it is harmful. It is not just bad for humans but also for animals, as we see in the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.

Question 18. Excess of everything is bad. Comment in the wake of Mrs. Pumphrey’s love for Tricki.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich woman who loved her dog very much. She loved to live a comfortable and lavish life and also wanted her dog to live a similar one. She had maintained a wardrobe full of fancy coats, beds, etc. for Tricki. Apart from this, she used to overfeed Tricki out of her love and concern. She used to serve him cod-liver oil and malt between the main meals and Horlicks after dinner to give him strength. She never realised that Tricki was a greedy dog and this would spoil his health. She could not even refuse Tricki when he drooled for cream cakes and chocolates.
Her overfeeding worsened Tricki’s condition. This made the dog lazy, inactive and obese. He used to lie on his rug and pant all day long. Mrs. Pumphrey fed him excessively, spoiling Tricki’s health to such an extent that he had to be hospitalised. Even in the hospital, she continued to convey her love to Tricki through eggs, wine and brandy. Her fondness and care for Tricki made him fall sick, which proved that excess of everything is bad.

Question 19. Mrs. Pumphrey, the overindulgent and caring mistress of Trick pampers her pet dog like a spoiled child. Comment.
Answer: Tricki was definitely more than a dog for Mrs Pumphrey. She treated him like a pampered child of hers. Tricki was earlier a small dog. The only cause of Tricki’s overweight was his greed for food. Overfeeding and overdose of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat. He became rheumy and listless. His tongue lolled from his jaws. The doctor advised Mrs. Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a very strict diet and make him do a plenty of exercises. Dr. Herriot’s instructions were ignored by Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricki lost his appetite and started vomiting. Dr. Herriot suggested Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki must be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. Tricki was so attached to her that she almost fainted merely at the thought of his separation. Tricki was highly pampered. The entire staff and maids were ever-ready to pamper him with fluffy beds, cushions, toys, etc. Tricki’s recovery was amazingly rapid. He was not given food but plenty of water. After a few days, Tricki started taking an interest in his surroundings. He was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. Tricki showed his love for his mistress by jumping onto her lap when she came to take him back home.