class 10 English - Very Important & Question Anwers

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks)

Word limit: 30-40 words

Q1. Why was Mr. Herriot shocked at Tricki’s appearance?

Ans: Mr. Herriot was shocked because Tricki had become “hugely fat,” like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes were bloodshot and rheumy, and his tongue lolled from his jaws, indicating extreme obesity and ill health.

Q2. What was the main cause of Tricki’s illness?

Ans: The main cause was Mrs. Pumphrey’s over-indulgence. She fed him between-meal snacks like malt, cod-liver oil, and bowls of Horlicks, plus his favorite cream cakes and chocolates. Tricki’s only fault was greed; he never refused food.

Q3. How did Mr. Herriot treat Tricki at the surgery?

Ans: For the first two days, Herriot gave Tricki no food, only plenty of water. On the third day, Tricki started showing interest in his surroundings. Slowly, he began a diet of limited food and lots of physical exercise by playing with other dogs.

Q4. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey think that Tricki was suffering from malnutrition?

Ans: When Tricki became listless and showed no enthusiasm, Mrs. Pumphrey mistakenly thought he was weak due to a lack of nutrition. To “build him up,” she started giving him extra food, which actually made his condition worse.

Q5. Why does the narrator describe the stay of Tricki as a “happy period” for himself and his partners?

Ans: While Tricki was recovering, Mrs. Pumphrey sent two dozen fresh eggs, bottles of wine, and brandy to build his strength. The staff didn’t give these to Tricki; instead, they enjoyed luxurious breakfasts and lunches themselves.

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Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Word limit: 100-120 words

Q1. Give a character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey. Was she a wise lady?

Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey was an extremely rich, emotional, and over-indulgent woman. She loved her dog, Tricki, like a child but was not a “wise” pet owner. Her love was blind; she ignored the doctor’s advice to cut down on Tricki’s sweets and exercise. She provided him with a luxurious life, including separate beds for day and night and a wardrobe of tweed coats. Her over-pampering nearly killed the dog. However, she was also very grateful. When Tricki recovered, she called it a “Triumph of Surgery,” showing her simple-hearted nature, even though she didn’t realize that the “surgery” was just a simple diet and exercise.

Q2. “Tricki’s recovery was a triumph of common sense rather than medical surgery.” Justify.

Ans: Although the title is “A Triumph of Surgery,” no actual medical surgery or medicine was used on Tricki. Mr. Herriot, a vet, realized that Tricki didn’t need pills; he needed a change in lifestyle. He used common sense by removing the dog from the environment of over-feeding. By giving him only water for two days, he allowed the dog’s body to recover naturally. The “treatment” consisted of letting Tricki run with other dogs and compete for food. This natural healing process worked wonders. Therefore, the victory was one of practical wisdom and discipline over medical intervention.

Q3. Compare Tricki’s life at home with his life at the surgery.

Ans: There is a sharp contrast between the two environments.

• At Home: Tricki lived a sedentary, luxurious life. He was fed chocolates, cakes, and wine. He had no friends and no exercise, which made him sick and lethargic. He was treated like a “toy” or a “human child.”

   

• At the Surgery: He lived like a real dog. He slept in a loose box on a rug, not a silken bed. He had to run, bark, and fight for his share of food with a “shaggy crew” of dogs. This “jungle law” and physical activity transformed him from a “bloated sausage” into a “lithe, hard-muscled animal.”

   
• Q4. What message does the story convey to parents and pet owners?

Ans: The story conveys that excess of everything is bad. Love does not mean over-indulgence. Whether it is a pet or a child, discipline and a healthy lifestyle are essential for growth. By giving in to every demand and over-feeding, we often cause more harm than good. The story teaches that sometimes, “tough love”—like the doctor taking Tricki away—is necessary for the well-being of those we care about. Proper care involves meeting “needs” rather than “greeds.”

Q5. Describe the scene when Tricki was being sent to the surgery. How did the household react?

Ans: The scene was full of drama and “tears.” As Mr. Herriot carried the dog to his car, the entire staff was roused. Maids ran in and out bringing his day bed, night bed, cushions, toys, and bowls. Mrs. Pumphrey was wailing in despair. As the car moved away, she threw a handful of coats through the window. Everybody was in tears because they were deeply attached to the dog. This scene highlights the extreme luxury Tricki lived in and the emotional, almost irrational, attachment the household had toward him.