A Triumph of Surgery (Chapter-1)
Hard Words : A Triumph of Surgery
Worried = concerned, anxious (चिंतित),
Pulled up = stopped, halted (रोकना),
Appearance = look, visual aspect (दिखावा),
Bloated = swollen, inflated (सूजा हुआ),
Rheumy = watery, moist (पानी वाला),
Listless = lacking energy, spiritless (उदास),
Malnutrition = poor nutrition, undernourishment (पोषण की कमी),
Extras = additional things, more than usual (अतिरिक्त),
Malt = germinated grain, type of food (अंकुरित अनाज),
Cod-liver oil = fish oil, supplement (कॉड की जिगर का तेल),
Horlicks = brand of malted milk hot drink (हॉर्लिक्स – एक प्रकार का गर्म पेय),
Relent = soften, become less severe (मुलायम हो जाना),
Greed = desire for more, avarice (लालच),
Tackle = handle, deal with (निपटना),
Exercise = physical activity, workout (व्यायाम),
Lumbago = lower back pain, backache (कमर दर्द),
Ring-throwing = game of tossing rings, recreational activity (अंगूठी फेंकने का खेल)
Severe = strict, stern (कठोर),
Harden your heart = be determined, not let emotions interfere (दृढ़ निर्णय लेना),
Strict diet = limited food intake, regimented eating (सख्त आहार),
Wrung her hands = showed distress, sign of worry (हाथ मलना चिंता में),
Regime = system, method (प्रणाली),
Progress = movement, advancement (प्रगति),
Tottering = unsteady walk, wobbling (लड़खड़ाते हुए चलना),
Tweed coat = type of woolen jacket, often with a rough surface (ट्वीड कोट),
Wardrobe = collection of clothing, attire (वस्त्र संग्रह),
Drooping = hanging or bending down, sagging (झुका हुआ),
Distraught = very worried, distressed (व्याकुल),
Bouts = episodes, occurrences (घटनाएँ),
Panting = breathing heavily, gasping (फफकार लेना),
Hospitalised = admitted to a hospital, taken in for treatment (अस्पताल में भर्ती होना),
Fortnight = two weeks, fourteen days (पंद्रह दिन),
Observation = monitoring, watchfulness (निगरानी),
Swooned = fainted, passed out (बेहोश हो जाना),
Pine = feel a deep longing, miss intensely (शोक मनाना),
Firm line = strict stance, unwavering decision (मजबूत स्थिति)
Wailings = cries of distress or sorrow, lamentations (विलाप),
Marched = walked in a determined manner, proceeded (टेक लगा कर चलना),
Roused = awakened, stirred up (जागाया हुआ),
Despairing cry = shout of hopelessness, sound of anguish (निराशाजनक पुकार),
Pathetic = causing sadness, pitiable (दयनीय),
Gasping = breathing with difficulty, panting (सांस फूलना),
Surged = moved in a powerful wave, rushed (भीड़ में आना),
Dull eyes = lacking brightness or interest, lifeless (नीरस आंखें),
Ignored = paid no attention to, overlooked (अवगणना की),
Loose box = spacious stall, typically in a stable (आरामदायक स्थल),
Whimper = soft cry, low sound of distress (विलापित होना),
Engulfed = surrounded and covered, overwhelmed (आस-पास घेर लेना),
Greyhound = a breed of dog known for its speed (ग्रेहाउंड नस्ल का कुत्ता),
Inspecting = examining closely, looking over (जाँचना),
Surplus fat = excess body weight, additional fat (अधिक वसा),
Slopped = poured carelessly, dumped (असत्यानुसार डालना),
Headlong rush = impulsive or reckless hurry, swift movement (अविचारी दौड़),
High-speed eating = eating very quickly, rapid consumption (तेज़ रफ्तार से खाना),
Liable = likely, prone to (प्रवृत्त),
Competition = contest, rivalry (प्रतिस्पर्धा)
Licking casually = tasting or touching with the tongue without much interest, absentmindedly (बिना ध्यान दिए चाटना),
Jostling = pushing or elbowing to make one’s way, bumping into others (धक्का मुक्की करना),
Scrimmages = minor fights or rough play, playful scuffles (हल्की झड़पें),
Bowled over = knocked down, pushed over (गिरा दिया गया),
Tramped on = stepped on heavily, walked over (भारी चाल से चलना),
Squashed = pressed or crushed, flattened (दबाया हुआ),
Shaggy crew = group with rough or unkempt appearance, hairy team (रूखी समूह),
Hovered = remained in one place in the air, lingered (मंडराना)
Bulletins = short official statements or reports, news updates (समाचार पत्रिका),
Dodged = avoided, evaded (ताल मटोल करना),
Convalescing = recovering from an illness, regaining strength (स्वास्थ्य लाभ पा रहा),
Dawn = become evident or understood, realization (समझ में आना),
Ceremonial occasion = formal or official event, ritualistic gathering (अनुष्ठानिक अवसर)
Brandy = a type of alcoholic drink made from wine, strong liquor (ब्रैंडी),
Constitution = physical health and condition, body’s makeup (शारीरिक संरचना),
Inhaled = breathed in, taken in air (सांस लेना),
Reverently = with deep respect, devotionally (श्रद्धा से),
Deep content = profound satisfaction, great happiness (गहरी संतोष),
Luxuriously = in a rich or comfortable manner, indulgently (आलीशान तरीके से),
Gleaming = shining, bright (चमकता हुआ),
Chauffeur = a person hired to drive a private car, driver (चालक),
Tightly clasped = firmly held or closed, gripped (मजबूती से पकड़ा हुआ),
Trembled = shook involuntarily, quivered (कांपना),
Lithe = flexible, limber (लचीला),
Hard-muscled = having firm and strong muscles, fit (मजबूत मांसपेशियों वाला),
Pack = group, particularly of dogs (समूह),
Bounds = leaps, jumps (छलांग),
Brushing = lightly touching, grazing (हलके से स्पर्श करना)
Mistress = a woman in a position of authority, control, or ownership (मालिका),
Tremendous = very great in amount, scale, or intensity (भारी),
Leap = jump or spring a long way, to a great height, or with great force (छलांग),
Startled = surprised, shocked (अचानक डरना),
Defend = protect, safeguard (रक्षा करना),
Swarmed = move somewhere in large numbers (भीड़ बनकर चलना),
Barking = the sharp explosive cry of a dog (भोंकना),
Excitement = a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness (उत्तराधिकार),
Chauffeur = a person employed to drive a car, driver (चालक),
Tears = drops of salty liquid secreted by glands in your eyes (आंसू),
Trembled = shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety or excitement (कांपना),
Triumph = a great victory or achievement (विजय),
Surgery = the treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation, especially with instruments; also refers to a place where a doctor treats patients (शल्यचिकित्सा/अस्पताल)
Summary:-
Mr. Pumphrey was a rich and emotional lady who has a cut dog Tricky. She loved him so much that she always overfed him. Therefore, Tricki had put on a lot of weight and hence became lethargic. When Doctor Herriot saw the fat, he was shocked. Then he made a plan and told Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki must undergo for treatment of the ailment in the hospital.
There the greedy dog had to compete with other dogs to get food, otherwise, he had to remain hungry. Soon he lost a lot of his body weight, therefore he became quite active. When Tricki was at home he was having a luxurious life. But when he came to the doctor he became all right due to the natural lifestyle. When Mrs. Pumphrey saw her active dog she thanked the doctor a lot and she felt that it was a triumph of surgery.
James Alfred Wight is popular as James Herriot, and He was a British veterinary surgeon and writer too. He has written this story A triumph of Surgery. The story starts when Mrs Pumphrey, a rich lady takes her dog Tricky for a walk outside. A nearby veterinary doctor saw the dog and is in a shock as the dog looks like a bloated sausage having leg at each end. Then He advised her to stop giving him diet. But Mrs Pumphrey is not able to refuse the dog. Soon Tricky fell sick and the doctor was called.
The narrator, Mr. Herriot somehow takes Tricki to his hospital for treatment, even knowing the fact that Mrs. Pumphrey will never leave the dog. He took the dog along and puts a bed for him in his surgery. For two days dog did not move much and also did not eat anything. On the third day he wanted to go outside and there he started playing with the bigger dogs. He also licked the bowls of other dogs to eat the remaining food.
His condition started improving rapidly. Also, he started fighting for his meals with other dogs. After hearing this news Mrs. Pumphrey started sending eggs to the hospital as she thought that Tricki needed energy foods after recovery. But Mr. Herriot and his partners started eating those eggs as morning breakfast.
Also, for improving Trick’s blood, Mrs. Pumphrey started sending wine in bottles. But again, Mr. Herriot consumed those. Not only this, when she started sending brandy in bottles they consumed that also. After few days Doctor took a wise decision and called up Mrs. Pumphrey as she was much worried, for taking Tricki back home. Tricki was very happy to see his mistress and jumped into the car. Then Mrs. Pumphrey said that she won’t be able to ever thank him for all this wonder. And she said that his surgery had been successful as Tricki was now cured.
Conclusion of A triumph of Surgery
The story signifies that the parents should not be indulgent which may harm their children.
Exercises:-
1. Why is Mrs. Pampherey worried about the trick?
Ans: Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he would eat nothing and spend all his time lying on the rug and panting. He has become very fat and it looks like a bloated saurage. Tricki did not want to go for walks or do anything at all.
2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Ans: She called the doctor to help Tricki and her decisions were wise. Because the doctor suggested that Tricki should be hospitalised.
3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in the story?
Ans: In this story ‘i’ refers to James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon.
4. Is the narrator as rich as tricki’s mistress?
Ans: No, the narrator is not as rich as tricki’s mistress.
5. How does he treat the dog?
Ans: Dr. Herriot is a capable and wise doctor. He treats the dog as he would any other day. He makes a bed for Tricki in a warm loose box and keeps it next to the other dogs so that they might get friendly. For two days, he kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty of water.
6. Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Ans: He is tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest because of the good food and wine he is enjoying in Tricki’s name.
7. Why does Mrs. Pampherey think the dog’s recovery is ‘ a triumph of Surgery’?
Ans: Mrs. Pampherey thinks that Tricki’s recovery is ‘a triumph of Surgery’ because in two weeks, Tricki had recovered completely and had been transformed into a hard – muscled animal.
Think about it–
1. 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 veterinary Surgeon is a very practical man with a lot of common sense, as well as tactful people. He was able to handle the rich but silly lady. He knew what Tricki needed to be better with his health.
2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Ans: yes, Tricki was happy to go home. It jumped out of the narrator’s arms when Tricki saw her, it leaped into her lap and licked her face. She was so excited that tears started rolling out of her eyes.
After this, Mrs Pumphrey should take good care of the dog and does not feed it a lot.
3. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
Ans: It is a mixture of both.
Talk about it–
1. 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?
Ans: persons like Mrs. Pampherey are silly because they have no common sense. Loving pets is very good, but they should take good care of the animal. Anything over is becoming harmful.
2. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs. Pampherey?
Ans: yes, definitely there are parents like Mrs. Pampherey in our society who later repent.
3. What would you have done if you were :(1) a member of the staff in Mrs. Pampherey ‘s household, (2)a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?
My life would have been so. K as I act using any common sense.
4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator ‘s place?
Ans: if I had been in the narrator’ s place I would have done exactly the same thing as he did. He did not exploit Mrs. Pampherey. He just playfully ate part of Tricki’s food that would cause the dog harm, and make him healthy without any surgery.
Additional Questions and Answers
1. Why was the doctor in shock?
Ans:- When the narrator saw the dog and was in a shock as the dog looked like a bloated sausage having legs at each end. Then He advised her to stop giving him diet.
2. Why did Mrs. Pumphery start sending food for Tricki?
Ans:- Tricki’s condition started improving rapidly. Also, he started fighting for his meals with other dogs. After hearing this news Mrs. Pumphrey started sending eggs to the hospital as she thought that Tricki needed energy foods after recovery.
3. What was Tricki’s reaction when he saw Mrs. Pumphrey?
Ans:- Tricki was very happy to see his mistress and jumped into the car. As soon as he saw her, he made a tremendous leap and sailed into her lap.Then Mrs. Pumphrey said that she won’t be able to ever thank him for all this wonder. And she said that his surgery had been successful as Tricki was now cured.
4. What did the author see when he opened the door?
Ans:- When the narrator opens the door, Tricki trotted out and was immediately engulfed by Joe, the greyhound and his friends. After rolling him over and thoroughly inspecting him. The dog moved off down the garden. Tricki followed them, rolling slightly with his surplus fat.
5. What did the author do with the food sent by Mrs. Pumphrey?
Ans:- Mrs. Pumphrey started sending eggs to the hospital as she thought that Tricki needed energy foods after recovery. But Mr. Herriot and his partners started eating those eggs as breakfast. Also, to improving Trick’s blood, Mrs. Pumphrey started sending wine in bottles. But again, Mr. Herriot consumed those. Not only this, when she started sending brandy in bottles they consumed that also.
Extra Questions:-
1. What makes you know that Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady as she had many servants and maids also had a pet. She used to feed her pet with a lot of dishes, sweets and snacks. Moreover, she had a separate room and wardrobe for her pet. All these things show that she was a rich lady.
2. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey calls the doctor?
Or
Why did Mrs. Pumphrey takes Tricki to the doctor?
Answer: Tricki was not eating anything for the past few days. He had refused even dishes and had bouts of vomiting. Moreover, he was spending his time lying on a rug; panting-He was not going for walks. All these symptoms forced Mrs. Pumphrey to visit the doctor.
3. How does Dr. Herriot treats Tricki?
Answer: Dr. Herriot cut down Tricki food and made him exercise. For the first three days jobs didn’t give him food but only water. He did not give any medicinal treatment but made him all day with the dogs. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He enjoyed a lot along with his recovery.
4. Why were the household dogs not interested in Tricki initially?
Answer: Tricki was a newcomer in the house. Moreover, Tricki was very lethargic to play with them He was not comfortable there. But after a few days, Tricki started enjoying them. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He became an accepted member of the gang.
5. Why was Dr. Herriot confident that Tricki will be in hospital soon?
Answer: Tricki was tottering (move in an unsteady way) slowly in the house. He was not eating anything, not even his favorite dishes and besides, he had bouts of vomiting. Dr. Herriot was sure that if his food was not cut down and more exercise was not given to him, he would be really ill soon.
6. Why was the entire staff of Mrs. Pumphrey at work while Tricki was going to the hospital?
Answer: Tricki was Mrs. Pumphrey beloved dog, and when he was going to the hospital, the entire staff got to work. His day and night beds, favorite cushions, toys and rubber rings, and food bowls were loaded into the narrator’s car by them.
7. What was the cause of Tricki’s ailment?
Or
What was the main cause of `Tricki’s ill-health’?
Answer: Tricki was overfed by Mrs. Pumphrey. He became hugely fat and inactive. He was pampered with a lot of cream cakes, chocolates and Hot links. This was the main cause of his illness.
8. Why did Mr. Herriot ask Mrs. Pumphrey to admit Tricki in a hospital?
Answer: Dr. Herriot asked Mrs. Pumphrey to admit Tricki in a hospital because instead of cutting down upon his food and making him exercise, she was pampering him.
9. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey treats Tricki in a special way?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was an extremely rich lady but was foolishly indulgent in pampering her dog, Tricki. She served him with cream cakes, chocolates and cod-liver oil. She did so because she treated Tricki like her son.
10. Why was Dr. Herriot worried about Tricki?
Answer: Dr. Herriot was worried about Tricki because he had become hugely fat and inactive. He suggested to Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down his food and give him some exercise but she was reluctant to do so.
11. Why was Tricki sent to the hospital?
Answer: Tricki had become sluggish as he had grown so fast that it became difficult for him to walk. He started panting all the time, kept on vomiting and stopped eating. He seemed very ill so he was hospitalized.
12. What was Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction when Tricki showed little enthusiasm for exertion?
Answer: She was shocked and worried. She thought that Tricki was seriously ill. She thought that he had been suffering from malnutrition.
13. What did she do to bring him back to normal health? Was she successful?
Answer: To bring Tricki to normal health she started giving him a beer and cod-liver oil. She also gave him a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep. But she was not successful because all these things put an adverse effect on the little dog.
14. What was Mr. Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs. Pumphrey heed his advice? What excuses did she make?
Answer: Mr. Herriot’s strict advice was to cut down on sweet things and to give him plenty of exercises. But Mrs. Pumphrey did not heed (pay attention) to this advice. She thought Tricki was weak. So she was giving him cream cakes and chocolates. Tricki had very little exercise because the gardener was unwell.
15. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey make a frantic (anxiety with fear) call to Mr. Herriot?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey made a frantic call to Mr. Herriot because Tricki was seriously ill. He ate no food. He refused even his favorite dishes. He had bouts of vomiting. He liked to do nothing.
16. Describe the `parting scene’ between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s household.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was wailing. The entire staff was roused (awakened). The maids rushed in and out bringing his beds and bowls to the doctor’s car. When the doctor drove the car away everybody in the house was in tears.
17. “I think I know a cure for you.” What was the `cure’?
Answer: It was the cure to control Tricki’s diet. He did not give any food to Tricki for two days. He gave him a lot of water to drink. He gave him no medicine. He gave him a lot of exercises and this all made Tricki very active.
18. The household dogs at the surgery rejected Tricki as “uninteresting objects.” Why?
Answer: At the surgery the household dogs surrounded Tricki. He looked at them with dull eyes. The other dogs sniffed him but he did not give any response. So they found him as an uninteresting object and rejected him.
19. How did he become an accepted member of the gang and start enjoying the company of other dogs?
Answer: After two or three days Tricki’s health began to improve rapidly. He started mixing-up with other dogs. He enjoyed playing different games with the other dogs. In this way, he became an accepted member of the gang. He enjoyed their company.
20. Describe the small dog Tricki.
Answer: Tricki was a small dog of a rich lady Mrs. Pumphrey. She loved him too much. Because of overfeeding, he looked like a bloated sausage. He had become hugely fat. He had bloodshot and rheumy eyes.
21. What did Mrs. Pumphrey thinks her dog suffered from? How did she try to help him?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s dog Tricki was dull and listless. She thought that he suffered from malnutrition. So she gave him malt and cod-liver oil between meals. She gave him a bowl of Horlicks at night.
22. What was the real disease that Tricki was suffering from?
Answer: Actually, Tricki didn’t have physical disease. He had a vomiting problem because of overfeeding. He was lazy because he did not have any physical exercise.
23. What was Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction when the doctor said that Tricki must be taken to the hospital for a fortnight?
Answer: Hearing this from the doctor’s mouth she almost swooned. She was sure that Tricki would pine and die if he did not see her every day.
24. How did the gang of the household dogs accept Tricki as their member?
Answer: After two or three days Tricki mixed-up with the household dogs. He had a lot of fun and exercise there. He ran about with the dogs. He enjoyed being bowled over, tramped on and squashed. Thus they accepted him as their member.
25. How did Tricky treat his mistress when she went to collect him?
Answer: When Tricki saw his mistress, he took off from Mr. Herriot’s arms. He took a tremendous leap. He sailed into Mrs. Pumphrey’s lap. He swarmed over her. He licked her face and barked.
26. Why was Mr. Herriot shocked at Tricki’s appearance?
Answer: Tricki had become hugely fat. He looked like a bloated sausage. His eyes were bloodshot and rheumy. His tongue lolled from his jaws. So Mr. Herriot was shocked at Tricki’s appearance.
27. Why was Dr. Herriot really worried about Tricki?
Answer: When Dr. Herriot saw Tricki with his mistress, he was really worried. He was shocked at his appearance. The dog had become hugely fat. His eyes were bloodshot and rheumy. His tongue lolled from his jaws. Naturally, the miserable condition of the dog made him really worried.
28. What special diet did Mrs. Pumphrey give to build Tricki up?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey found that Tricki had become listless. He seemed to have no energy. She thought he must be suffering from malnutrition. She decided to give some little special diet between meals to build him up. She gave him some malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night. She couldn’t refuse cakes and chocolates to Tricki even after being advised to cut down on the sweet things.
29. What was the only fault of Tricki as diagnosed by Dr. Herriot?
Answer: Dr. Herriot knew that overindulgence and pampering of Tricki’s mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey created problems for him. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. He had never known to refuse food. Overfeeding and not giving him proper exercise made him hugely fat and dull.
30. Why did Dr. Herriot try to sound severe when he gave strict instructions to Mrs. Pumphrey about Tricki?
Answer: Dr. Herriot knew the real cause of Tricki’s problems. He found that the only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. So, he gave strict instructions to Tricki’s mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. He asked her to cut his food right down. He also recommended giving him more exercise and keeping him on a very strict diet.
31. What plans did Dr. Herriot make to get Tricki out of the house?
Answer: Dr. James Herriot realised that as long as Tricki was with Mrs. Pumphrey, he would be miserable. He suggested to her that Tricki must be hospitalised for a fortnight. He would be under his observation. The lady almost fainted on hearing this, but Dr. Herriot took a firm line. He insisted that the dog was ill and it was the only way of saving him.
32. How did Mrs. Pumphrey react when she heard from the doctor that Tricki needed to be hospitalised for a fortnight?
Answer: When Dr. Herriot informed Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki was to be kept under his Supervision, Mrs. Pumphrey almost fainted on hearing this. It was extremely difficult for her to be away from her pampered pet for a fortnight. She agreed only after Dr. Herriot told her that that was the only way of saving Tricki.
33. How was Tricki treated at the surgery?
Answer: Dr. Herriot gave no medical treatment to Tricki. He realised that the only problem of Tricki was his greed for food. For two days, he kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty of water. He made up a bed for him in a warm loose box next to where other dogs slept.
34. Describe the gradual progress of Tricki at the surgery.
Answer: Tricki’s main problem was his greed for food. For two days, Dr. Herriot gave no food but plenty of water to the dog. On the first day, Tricki lay motionless on the carpet. On the second day, he started showing some interest in his surroundings. On the third day, he began to whimper when he heard the dogs in the yard. From then on, his progress was rapid. He started for his share of food and hunting rats at night.
35. How did the word ‘convalescing’ (recovering) affect Tricki’s mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey?
Answer: The moment Mrs. Pumphrey heard that Tricki was out of danger and convalescing, she was excited. She started bringing fresh eggs, two dozen at a time, to build up his strength. Wine and brandy were given to enrich Tricki’s blood. For a few nights, brandy was rolled around, inhaled and reverently drunk.
36. Why was Dr. Herriot tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Answer: Tricki was a pampered dog and his mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey was an overindulgent lady. For a happy period, Dr. Herriot and his partner had two eggs each for breakfast. Then there was a liberal inflow of wine and brandy. They were the days of deep content for him. He was naturally tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest.
37. What excuses did Mrs. Pumphrey give for not following Dr. Herriot’s advice? What was the effect of ignorance?
Answer: Dr. Herriot knew that the only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. Mrs. Pumphrey was an indulgent mistress and pampered Tricki with malt, cod-liver oil and bowls of Horlicks. Dr. Herriot had advised her to cut down on sweets and give him some exercise. Tricki was to be kept on a very strict diet. Mrs. Pumphrey told the doctor that it was very difficult. The result of ignoring the doctor’s advice was disastrous. Tricki lost his appetite and lay motionless on the carpet. He vomited again and again.
38. Why did Tricki become an uninteresting object for other dogs at the surgery?
Answer: Tricki was to be hospitalised for a fortnight. The pathetic little dog was gasping for breath. At the surgery, the household dogs surged around Dr. Herriot. Tricki looked down at the noisy dogs with dull eyes helplessly. He lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs circled around him sniffing for a few seconds. They decided that Tricki was an uninteresting object for them. Therefore, they ignored him.
39. How did Mrs. Pumphrey and her servants behave when Tricki was being taken away to surgery?
Answer: Dr. Herriot had advised that Tricki must be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. When the dog was being sent away to the surgery, the whole staff was roused. The maids rushed in and out. They were busy bringing Tricki’s day-bed, night-bed, cushions, toys, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, etc. When he was departing, everybody was in tears. The overindulgent mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey gave a cry in desperation.
40. How was Tricki accepted as a member of the gang and the other dogs started enjoying his company?
Answer: Tricki was out of danger. He started taking interest in his surroundings. On the third day, Joe, the greyhound and other dogs surrounded him. They rolled him over and inspected him. Tricki followed them to the garden. He was running and rolling down in their company. Now he was accepted as a member of the gang.
41. Do you think that Dr. Herriot was a sensible, practical and clever person? How?
Answer: Yes, Dr. Herriot was a pragmatic (practical) person. He was sensible enough to recognise Tricki’s greed for food. He was highly practical. He knew that it was difficult for Mrs. Pumphrey to part with the dog. So, he advised her that Tricki must be hospitalised under his supervision for a fortnight. It was necessary to save him. He was a clever person and was tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest. Actually, he was enjoying the best of both worlds.
42. Wasn’t Mrs. Pumphrey an overindulgent but silly and impractical mistress?
Answer: Yes, Mrs. Pumphrey was fabulously rich. She could afford to be overindulgent towards her favorite pet dog, Tricki. The dog was pampered like a spoilt child. She was silly enough to provide cushions, toys, day-bed, night-bed, unnecessary items like malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, wine and brandy which are not available even to human beings. Her impractical nature led to overfeeding of Tricki. He grew hugely fat, listless and dull.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Herriot enjoyed the lavish (costly) meal during Tricki’s stay but still, he felt compelled (forced to do something) to inform Mrs. Pumphrey about the recovery of Tricki. Why did he not keep Tricki for a longer time? Did he feel concerned for Mrs. Pumphrey? Was it not in his attitude to break the trust of others. Discuss the values he possessed in 100-120 words.
Answer: Tricki was a fat dog, the pet of Mrs. Pumphrey. He became listless and seemed to have no energy and fell ill. So, Mrs. Pumphrey called the veterinary surgeon, Dr. Herriot for help. Dr. Herriot took Tricki to his surgery. He kept an eye on him for two days and gave him no food but plenty of water. At the end of the second day, he started showing some interest in his surroundings and on the third day, began to whimper (cry) on the sound of dogs.
During his stay at the surgery, Mrs. Pumphrey started to bring round fresh eggs to a dozen at a time. She also sent bottles of wine and brandy for Tricki’s health. But that was consumed by Mr. Herriot and his partners. Hence, Herriot enjoyed the stay of Tricki. He did not want to keep Tricki for a longer time because he felt concerned for Mrs. Pumphrey. He did not want to separate the pet from his owner. He could understand Mrs. Pumphrey’s concern for the little dog. So he returned him back.
2. The chapter shows the silly(lack of commonsense) and negligent (careless) behaviour of rich people like Mrs. Pumphrey who may harm their near and dear ones by their extra caring nature. Tricki declined health was the outcome of Mrs. Pumphrey’s over-caring nature. Do you think such people’s actions can prove to be fatal (harmful) for the health of their kinds? What values would you suggest to such people to emulate in themselves and why? Write your answer in 100-120 words.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a wealthy lady with a fat pet dog named Tricki. Tricki was too dear to Mrs. Pumphrey. Hence, she took extra care of him. She had pampered the dog with all kinds of comforts. The dog had many coats worn according to the weather, had different cushions for his comfort and also had various dishes to eat. Some extras between meals were given to him, some malt, cod- liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep.
He was also given cream cakes and chocolates. This made him fat and lethargic. He became hugely fat like a bloated sausage. His eyes bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled from his jaws. I think Mrs Pumphrey’s extra-caring nature resulted in Tricki’s declined health. Such an attitude can result in fatal health of their kind. One should not over care for them. Exercise and proper meal are important for one’s health. The same was taken care by Dr. Herriot, which resulted in the speedy recovery of Tricki.
3. “He had never been known to refuse food; he would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night.” Herriot believed that Tricki’s problem was his greed. Did he lack tolerance? What values would you like Tricky to imbibe? Elucidate.
Answer: Dr. Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing that Tricki’s problem was greed. Tricki was indeed greedy, but Mrs. Pumphrey only made matters worse by stuffing him with rich food. Herriot did not lack intolerance; he was just stating the obvious. Tricki’s ill-health made him concerned, and he made the observation as a veterinary doctor. Tricki, on the other hand, needed to exercise control on his eating habits. It would have been good if he did not greedily gobble up everything that was placed in front of him. Mrs. Pumphrey herself reveals that Tricki loved cream cakes and chocolates very much. Thus, Tricki ought to have been less gluttonous (excessively greedy) and luxury-loving, and behaved more like a dog!
4. Herriot seems to be a duty-bound doctor who values others ’emotions’ than his personal interests. Elucidate the above statement. Mention those values of Herriot which you would like to emulate in yourself also and give reasons for the same. Write your answer in 100-120 words.
Answer: Herriot was a duty-bound veterinary doctor. He used to visit Mrs. Pumphrey’s house regularly for the regular check-up of her dog Tricki. Mrs. Pumphrey was a very rich lady who had pampered her dog. Dr Herriot was quite worried about Tricki health. He knew that the dog was over-fed by his owner. He advised Mrs. Pumphrey to keep him on a rich diet and give him a lot of exercises. But she didn’t bother. Hence, in order to improve Tricki health, he decided to take him away from Mrs. Pumphrey. He told her that ‘Tricki needed surgery. He made a Tricki cut down his diet and made him do certain exercises which improve his health. Although he knew Mrs. Pumphrey was very rich and much attached to the dog, he did not take any advantage of it. He just performed his duties and should also learn the same values in our life.
5. How did Mrs. Pumphrey keep her dog? How did she add to his problems?
Or
Tricki was more a member of Mrs. Pumphrey’s family than a mere dog. Explain, giving an example from the text.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady. She pampered her dog Tricki. She overfed him. She gave him a nutritious diet. This made him hugely fat. He looked like a bloated sausage. He became dull, flabby. lazy and listless. She thought that he had been suffering from malnutrition. So she gave him malt and cod-liver oil between meals. She gave him Horlicks at night. In spite of the doctor’s advice, she gave him cream cakes and chocolate. All these things made his condition worse. He had bouts of vomiting. He kept lying all the time on the carpet. He did not want to go out of the house even for a little time.
6. How did Herriot save Tricki’s life?
Answer: Tricki was seriously ill. He refused food. He had bouts of vomiting. Mrs. Pumphrey was very much worried about him. She called Mr. Herriot who was a vet. Herriot and knew Tricki’s disease well. He told Mrs. Pumphrey that the dog must be hospitalized for a fortnight immediately. He carried the dog in his car to his surgery. There he put him in a separate room. He was given no food for two days but plenty of water. After two days the dog felt better. He started enjoying games with other dogs. In this way, Herriot cured Tricki of his illness without any medicine or surgery.
7. Write a character-sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a very wealthy lady. She was very loving to her dog Tricki. She pampered overfed him. She gave him much nutritious food. Tricki was very greedy. He never refuses food. This made him hugely fat and lazy. Mrs. Pumphrey was much worried about him. She thought that he was suffering from malnutrition and she gave him more food for energy. She almost swooned Herriot told her that Tricki must be hospitalized for a fortnight. She thought that Tricki would pine and die if he did not see his mistress even for a single balance and was very grateful to Herriot for his services to Tricki.
8. Write a character-sketch of Tricki.
Answer: Tricki was a small dog. He was pampered and overfed by his mistress. He was given much nutritious food. He was greedy enough to refuse food at any time. He liked eating cream cakes and chocolates. This made him hugely fat. He looked like a bloated (swollen) sausage. He had bloodshot and rheumy eyes. He became dull, flabby, lazy and listless. He was seriously sick. He had bouts of vomiting. He was taken to Herriot’s surgery. There he was given no food for two days. He had a lot of exercises to do. This made him quite fit. He loved his mistress very much. His mistress said about him that he would pine and die if he did not see her even for a single day.
9. Mrs. Pumphrey says, “This is ‘A Triumph of Surgery’. Why did she say so? Did she know what ‘, Ticki’s ailment was?
Answer: Tricki was seriously ill. He refused food. He had bouts of vomiting. Mrs. Pumphrey was very much worried about him. She called Dr. Herriot who was a vet surgeon. Dr. Herriot knew about Tricki’s disease. He took the dog to his surgery. He gave Tricki no food for two days. He gave him a lot of exercises. When Mrs. Pumphrey went to Dr. Herriot’s surgery to take Tricki back she found him totally transformed. He had been very lazy and flabby. But now he had been transformed into a lithe and hard-muscled animal. All this made him say, “This is ‘A Triumph of Surgery’. No, Mrs. Pumphrey did not know about Tricki’s ailment. She also did not know how he was cured.
10. Mrs. Pumphrey, the overindulgent and caring mistress of Tricki, pampers her pet dog like a spoilt child. Comment.
Or
Give a brief character-sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a fabulously rich and resourceful lady with a large number of servants and maids. She was passionately attached to her little pet dog, Tricki. She was very worried about Tricki’s miserable condition. Tricki had become hugely fat and listless. She thought he was suffering from malnutrition. So, she started giving Tricki malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night.
Being overindulgent, Mrs Pumphrey even ignored Dr. Herriot’s advice. The doctor knew that Tricki’s only fault was his greed for food. He had advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down food and sweets for Tricki. He also advised her to give him plenty of exercises. The dog was to be kept on a very strict diet. For Mrs. Pumphrey, it was very difficult for her because she pampered Tricki like a spoilt child. This only compounded Tricki’s misery. His condition worsened. He lost appetite (hunger) and started vomiting.
Mrs Pumphrey was impractical but very compassionate (softhearted) and caring. She and her staff arranged all comforts, beds, cushions and toys for Tricki. She constantly enquired about his health from Dr Herriot. She gratefully thanked Dr Herriot for saving Tricki’s life and called it “A Triumph of Surgery”. Had she been a little more practical and disciplined, things might have not gone that far.
11. Give a character sketch of Tricki.
Or
Tricki was more than a dog. He was more like a spoilt child of an overindulgent mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. Comment.
Answer: Tricki was definitely more than a dog. Actually, he was like a pampered child of Mrs Pumphrey. Tricki was a small dog. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. Overfeeding and overdose of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat. He became rheumy (watery) and listless (lacking energy). His tongue lolled from his jaws. The doctor advised Mrs Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a very strict diet and give him plenty of exercises.
Tricki became a victim of overindulgence and overfeeding. Dr. Herriot’s instructions were ignored. Tricki lost appetite and started vomiting. Dr. Herriot suggested to Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. Tricki was so much attached to her that she almost fainted merely (simply) at the thought of his separation. Tricki was highly pampered. The entire staff and maids were ever-ready to pamper time with 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 collect him.
12. Dr James Herriot was a competent veterinary surgeon. His practical approach and common sense helped in the rapid recovery of Tricki. Comment.
Or
Give a character sketch of Dr James Herriot.
Answer: Dr James Herriot, no doubt, was a competent veterinary surgeon. He was really worried about Tricki. He understood that the real fault of the dog was his greed for food. He never refused food. The dog had become hugely fat and listless. Dr Herriot instructed Mrs Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a very strict diet. He also asked her to give him a lot of exercises. Dr Herriot also suggested cuttting down sweets to him. He advised her that Tricki must be hospitalised for a fortnight under his observation.
Dr James Herriot was practical and pragmatic (sensible). He didn’t give any medical treatment to the dog. The dog was not given any food but lots of water. His method worked. Tricki’s recovery was surprisingly rapid. Tricki was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. He was not only out of danger but was soon handed over to his mistress. The grateful mistress thanked Dr. Herriot and called his feat (achievement)”A Triumph of Surgery”.
Dr. James Herriot was clever enough to enjoy the best of both worlds. He was tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest. It was a happy period for Dr. Herriot and his friends. He enjoyed eggs for breakfast, and wine and brandy for lunch.
13. Why did Mrs Pumphrey, the mistress of Tricki, make a frantic call to the noted veterinary surgeon, Dr James Herriot? How did Dr James Herriot succeed in curing Tricki?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey, the mistress of Tricki was an overindulgent lady. She pampered and even spoilt her pet dog. Dr Herriot instructed her to keep Tricki on a very strict diet and give him a lot of exercises. She ignored him. It was very difficult for her to deny Tricki sweets, cakes and chocolates. She gave a frantic call to Dr James Herriot only when Tricki’s condition worsened. Tricki lost his appetite and started vomiting. Dr Herriot advised that the dog be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. It was difficult for Mrs Pumphrey to accept it but she accepted it only to save Tricki’s life.
Dr James Herriot knew that Tricki’s only fault was his greed for food. He didn’t give him medical treatment. He didn’t give Tricki food but a lot of water for a few days. His method worked. Within a few days, Tricki was out of danger. His recovery was rather rapid. He started taking interest in his surroundings. His appetite came back, and he ran along with the other dogs in the garden. Dr Herriot informed Mrs Pumphrey that Tricki was completely cured and she could collect him. The grateful mistress thanked the doctor and called his feat (achievement)‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
14. Why did Dr James Herriot say that he was tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest? Give a reasoned answer.
Answer: Dr. James Herriot was not only a competent veterinary surgeon but also a clever man of the world. No doubt, Tricki was in a highly miserable state when he was brought to Dr. Herriot’s surgery. The doctor gave no medical treatment to the dog. He didn’t give food but plenty of water for a few days. Tricki’s recovery was rather rapid. Soon, he was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. The grateful mistress obliged Dr. Herriot and his friends. His partners and he himself had two eggs each for breakfast. Lunch became a ceremonial occasion. The grateful and fabulously rich mistress of Tricki treated him warmly with liberal (wide-ranging) servings of wine and brandy.
Dr. James Herriot was enjoying the best of both the worlds. He had no hesitation in accepting Mrs. Pumphrey’s tempting services. Naturally, it was a temptation for him to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest. Those were days of deep content. Fresh eggs in the morning, wine at noon and finishing luxuriously around the fire with brandy. Who wouldn’t like such a pleasant situation? After all, Dr. Herriot was a clever and worldly-wise man.
15. Describe Tricki’s stay at Dr. James Herriot’s surgery, highlighting his behaviour and his rapid recovery.
Answer: Dr. Herriot found out quite early what was the real problem with Tricki. He knew that Tricki’s only weakness was his greed for food. He, therefore, wanted Mrs. Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of exercises. Dr Herriot instructed her that the dog be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. At the surgery, Tricki looked down at the noisy dogs with dull eyes. He lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs ignored him as an uninteresting object. A bed was made in a warm loose box next to the other dogs. For two days, Dr. Herriot kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty of water. He gave no medical treatment to Tricki.
Dr. Herriot’s practical treatment worked. First, Tricki started taking an interest in his surroundings. His appetite returned. He started running along with the other dogs in the garden joining in their friendly barkings. Then, Tricki’s stay at the surgery became quite enjoyable. His indulgent mistress gave him fresh eggs, wine and brandy. Even Dr. Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. However, Tricki’s recovery was quite rapid and he was handed over to his mistress. The grateful Mrs. Pumphrey thanked Dr. Herriot and called his feat “A Triumph of Surgery”.
16.The foolish indulgence and pampering of the rich mistress, Mrs Pumphrey was the real cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. Give a reasoned answer.
Answer: Overindulgence and pampering beyond a limit becomes unproductive. Be it a pet or a child, discipline is very necessary. The fabulously rich and resourceful mistress was the main cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. The entire staff and maids were there to look after the needs of Tricki. His day-bed, night-bed, cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl and supper(dinner) bowl were always kept ready. Dr. Herriot rightly found out that Tricki’s only fault was his greed for food. Overfeeding of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat and listless. Had Mrs. Pumphrey followed Dr. Herriot’s instructions sincerely, things would not have worsened so far.
The doctor advised her to put Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of exercises. It was necessary to cut down his intake of sweets. But foolish indulgence of the mistress ignored his healthy advice. The result was disastrous(harmful). Tricki lost his appetite and started vomiting. Only when Mrs. Pumphrey was ready to send Tricki to Surgery to Dr. Herriot’s for a fortnight, things started improving. The doctor gave him no food but plenty of water for a few days. It worked and Tricki’s recovery was rather fast.
Self-Assessment Test
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did Mrs Pumphrey call the doctor?
2. What was the main cause of Tricki’s ill-health?
3. How did Mrs Pumphrey deal with Tricki’s absence?
4. How was Tricki different from the other dogs in the surgery?
5. What was Tricki doing in the name of exercise?
Long Answer Questions
1. Tricki was more a member of Mrs Pumphrey’s family than a mere dog. Explain, giving example from the text.
2. Mrs Pumphrey says, “This is a triumph of surgery”. Why did she say so? Did she know what Tricki’s ailment was?
3. Compare and contrast Tricki in the beginning and in the end of the story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’.
***Exercised by Vikram Mishra
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