English literature often uses humour and irony to convey deep life lessons. NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1, A Triumph of Surgery presents a light-hearted yet meaningful story written by James Herriot. The chapter narrates the amusing tale of Tricki, a pampered pet dog, and his overindulgent owner Mrs Pumphrey, whose excessive love almost costs the dog his health.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 A Triumph of Surgery
Q.
Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
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What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Q.
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Q.
Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Q.
How does he treat the dog?
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Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
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Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
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Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
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Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
Q.
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?
Q.
Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Q.
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?
Q.
What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 A Triumph of Surgery
The chapter explores themes of overindulgence, affection without understanding, discipline, and practical wisdom, while also helping students sharpen their comprehension and analytical skills. This chapter is part of the Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook.
The NCERT Solutions for A Triumph of Surgery provided here offer clear, step-by-step answers to all textbook questions, helping students understand the plot, characters, humour, and message of the story, clear doubts effectively, and prepare confidently for school and board examinations.
Class 10 Chapter 1 English Footprints Without Feet Questions & Answers – A Triumph of Surgery
Q1. Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Solution: Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become listless and inactive. He does not show his usual enthusiasm and seems to have lost his energy, which makes her fear that he is seriously ill.
Q2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Solution: Mrs Pumphrey thinks Tricki is suffering from malnutrition. To help him, she gives him extra food such as malt, cod-liver oil, and Horlicks, and also ensures he eats frequently. She is not wise in doing this because overfeeding worsens Tricki’s condition instead of improving it.
Q3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in the story?
Solution: ‘I’ refers to the narrator, Mr Herriot, who is a veterinary surgeon.
Q4. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Solution: No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki’s mistress. Mrs Pumphrey’s wealth is clearly shown through her luxurious lifestyle and extravagant spending on her pet, whereas the narrator lives a modest professional life.
Q5. How does the narrator treat Tricki?
Solution: The narrator treats Tricki sensibly and practically. He keeps him under observation, gives him no food initially, provides plenty of water, and later allows him to exercise and play with other dogs. Gradually, Tricki regains his health through discipline and physical activity rather than medicines.
Q6. Why is the narrator tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest?
Solution: Mrs Pumphrey keeps sending expensive food items like eggs, wine, and brandy for Tricki’s recovery. These items are enjoyed by the narrator and his staff instead. This unexpected luxury tempts the narrator to consider keeping Tricki at the surgery for a longer time.
Q7. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think Tricki’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Solution: Mrs Pumphrey believes that Tricki’s recovery is due to medical treatment and surgery. She does not realize that Tricki improved because of proper care, exercise, and controlled diet. Hence, she calls it “a triumph of surgery.”
Q8. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Solution: Tricki was very happy to go home. He jumped into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap and showed affection. However, it is doubtful whether he will remain healthy for long, as Mrs Pumphrey may start overfeeding him again.
Q9. Do you think this is a real-life episode or fiction?
Solution: The story is a mixture of both real-life and fiction. Overindulgent pet owners do exist in real life, but the exaggerated luxury and humour in the story add a fictional element that makes it entertaining.
Q10. 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?
Solution: Such people are not merely silly; their actions can cause real harm. Mrs Pumphrey’s excessive affection makes Tricki unhealthy. Similarly, overindulgence in real life can negatively affect children or dependents.
Q11. Do you think there are parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Solution: Yes, many parents are like Mrs Pumphrey. Out of excessive love, they overprotect and overindulge their children, which can make them dependent and unhealthy.
Q12. 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?
Solution: If I were a member of the staff or a neighbour, I would have tried to convince Mrs Pumphrey to reduce Tricki’s food and increase his exercise. I would have explained the danger of overfeeding and the importance of discipline in keeping him healthy.
Q13. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
Solution: If I were in the narrator’s place, I would have treated Tricki in the same way—by reducing food, providing plenty of water, encouraging exercise, and allowing him to play with other dogs until he recovered fully.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 – FAQs
Q1. What is the central message of “A Triumph of Surgery”?
Answer: The story conveys that excessive affection without understanding can be harmful. Proper care, discipline, and moderation are more important than blind love.
Q2. Why is the title “A Triumph of Surgery” ironic?
Answer: The title is ironic because Tricki recovers not due to surgery or medicines, but due to exercise, discipline, and a controlled diet.
Q3. How does this chapter help students prepare for board exams?
Answer: This chapter helps students practice character analysis, humour, irony, and moral-based questions that often appear in exams. These solutions also guide students in writing structured answers with the right length and clarity.