A Triumph of Surgery Class 10 - Summary & Extra Questions
A Triumph of Surgery: Mrs Pumphrey was distraught when Tricki refused to eat and was listless. Mr Herriot hospitalised Tricki for a fortnight, and with a strict diet and exercise, Tricki was transformed into a lithe, hard-muscled animal. A triumph of surgery!
Summary - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | English
The short story "The Triumph of Surgery" revolves around the recovery of a little dog called Tricki, whose mistress pampers and overfeeds him greatly, causing him serious illness.
The narrator, Mr. Herriot, starts with how he worried about Tricki's appearance this time as the dog had become extremely fat, with bloodshot watery eyes and tongue lolling from the jaws. The dog's mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey, explained how she was ......................................
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Back Questions - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Literature | English | Class 10
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?
Mr. Herriot appears to be a caring and observant veterinary surgeon who has the best interests of the animals he treats at heart. He demonstrates common sense in recognizing the source of Tricki's health issues and providing practical advice on how to resolve them. He also exhibits patience and understanding in dealing with Mrs. Pumphrey's concerns and indulgences.
Mr. Herriot can be considered tactful as he navigates the delicate situation with Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey. He is sensitive to her feelings and manages to convince her to hospitalize Tricki for the dog's benefit. Throughout the story, Mr. Herriot remains professional and compassionate, even as he benefits from the gifts sent by Mrs. Pumphrey. Ultimately, he successfully helps Tricki recover and tactfully handles the situation without alienating or upsetting Mrs. Pumphrey.
Simplify Main points
Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
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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?
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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?
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Extra Questions - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Literature | English | Class 10
“And did you cut down on the sweet things as I told you?”
a. What sweet things are being referred to in the extract?
b. Why does the speaker inquire if the sweet things have been cut?
c. What is the meaning of the phrase ‘cut down’?
a. The sweet things being referred to in the extract are likely treats or desserts that Mrs. Pumphrey had been giving to Tricki, the dog, between meals.
b. The speaker inquires if the sweet things have been cut down to assess if Mrs. Pumphrey has followed his previous advice. The speaker had recommended that Mrs. Pumphrey reduces the amount of sugar or sweets Tricki was consuming due to the dog's deteriorating health.
c. The phrase 'cut down' means to reduce or decrease the amount of something. In the context of the extract, it refers to the reduction of sweet treats or desserts that Mrs. Pumphrey had been giving to Tricki, as advised by the speaker.
Simplify Main points
Follow-up Questions:
What treats did Mrs. Pumphrey give Tricki?Why was Tricki's sugar intake a concern?How did the speaker suggest reducing sweets?
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Previous Years' Questions - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Literature | English | Class 10
Considering Mrs Pumphrey’s love for Tricki, comment on the statement ‘Excess of everything is bad’.
Mrs Pumphrey's excessive pampering of Tricki, through overfeeding and indulging his desires for sweets, highlights that ‘Excess of everything is bad’. Her actions, driven by love, led Tricki to become ill due to obesity and lack of exercise. This situation underscores how excessive care can be harmful, demonstrating that moderation and balance are crucial, even in affection, to ensure the well-being of loved ones.
Simplify Main points
Follow-up Questions:
What specific harm did Tricki experience?How can moderation be applied in love?What are examples of excessive care?
About the Author - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | English
James Herriot was the pen name of James Alfred Wight, a British veterinary surgeon and writer who was born on October 3, 1916, in Sunderland, England, and died on February 23, 1995, in Thirlby, Yorkshire, England. He wrote a series of semi-autobiographical books about his experiences as a veterinarian in rural England, which became popular worldwide. The books were adapted into a television series called "All Creatures Great and Small," which aired from 1978 to 1990. Herriot's writing is characterized by his love for animals, his humour, and his deep understanding of human nature. His works continue to be beloved by readers and animal lovers around the world.
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Themes - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | English
🐕 The consequences of overindulgence and lack of exercise in pets
One of the major themes of the chapter is the consequences of overfeeding and lack of exercise in pets. Mrs. Pumphrey's pampering and indulgence led to Tricki's obesity and related health issues, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening for pets.
🧑⚕️ The importance of veterinary care
Another theme highlighted in the chapter is the importance of veterinary care. The narrator, a veterinary surgeon, ...
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Plot - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | English
A Worrisome Sight
James Herriot, the narrator, encounters Tricki, a greedy and overweight dog, with his owner, Mrs. Pumphrey. He is alarmed by the dog's appearance and health.
Struggling with the Diet
Despite previous instructions to reduce treats and increase exercise, Mrs. Pumphrey has had difficulty following the advice, causing Tricki's health problems.
A Stern Warning
Herriot warns Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki ...
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Character Sketches - A Triumph of Surgery | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | English
Mr. Herriot (Narrator)
Mr. Herriot is a compassionate and observant veterinarian. He is knowledgeable and professional in his field, as seen when he advises Mrs. Pumphrey on the right actions to take for Tricki's health. He is also empathetic and understanding of the bond between Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki, taking their emotional well-being into account while treating the dog.
Mr. Herriot is ...
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