Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 1 – A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot. This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary, textbook solutions (Read and Find Out, Think about it, Talk about it), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
Summary of A Triumph of Surgery
“A Triumph of Surgery” is a humorous and heartwarming story written by James Herriot, a famous British veterinary surgeon and author. The story is narrated by Mr. James Herriot himself and revolves around a small dog named Tricki and his wealthy, over-indulgent owner, Mrs. Pumphrey. Mrs. Pumphrey loves Tricki immensely and pampers him excessively with rich food such as cream cakes, chocolates, cod-liver oil, malt, and Horlicks. She never refuses him anything and does not give him any exercise. As a result, Tricki becomes hugely fat and looks like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. He becomes listless, refuses to eat, has bouts of vomiting, and spends all his time lying on the rug panting. Mrs. Pumphrey is extremely worried and believes that Tricki is suffering from malnutrition.
Mr. Herriot, the veterinary surgeon, immediately recognises that the real problem is overfeeding and lack of exercise. He advises Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down on Tricki’s food and give him more exercise, but she is unable to follow his advice. When Tricki’s condition worsens, Mr. Herriot decides to hospitalise the dog at his surgery. Mrs. Pumphrey is distraught and nearly faints at the idea of being separated from Tricki. She sends along Tricki’s day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys, raincoats, and bowls, turning it into an elaborate farewell. At the surgery, Mr. Herriot gives Tricki no food for the first two days and only water to drink. Gradually, Tricki starts showing interest in his surroundings and begins to mix with the other dogs. He starts eating regular meals, running around, and playing with the bigger dogs. Within two weeks, Tricki is completely transformed into a hard-muscled, fit, and active animal.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Pumphrey keeps sending eggs, wine, and brandy for Tricki’s recovery, which Mr. Herriot and his partners happily consume themselves. Mr. Herriot is so tempted by these luxuries that he considers keeping Tricki as a permanent guest. However, his conscience prevails, and he calls Mrs. Pumphrey to collect Tricki. When she arrives, Tricki leaps into her lap and licks her face excitedly. Mrs. Pumphrey, overwhelmed with joy and tears, declares that Tricki’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery.” In reality, no surgery or medicine was used at all. It was simply a controlled diet and regular exercise that cured Tricki. The story humorously highlights how misguided love and overindulgence can harm those we care about, and how common sense and discipline can solve problems that seem complicated.
Read and Find Out (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Read and Find Out (Page 1)
Q1. Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become very ill. He refuses to eat anything, even his favourite dishes. He has bouts of vomiting and spends all his time lying on the rug, panting. He is listless and has no energy. Mrs Pumphrey believes that Tricki is suffering from malnutrition, although the real problem is that he has been overfed and does not get enough exercise.
Q2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Answer: To help Tricki, Mrs Pumphrey starts giving him extra food between meals to build up his strength. She gives him malt, cod-liver oil, and a bowl of Horlicks at night. She also continues to give him cream cakes and chocolates because he has a sweet tooth. However, she does not give him any exercise. She is not wise in doing this at all. Overfeeding was the root cause of Tricki’s illness in the first place, and by giving him even more rich food without any exercise, she was only making his condition worse.
Q3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
Answer: ‘I’ refers to Mr James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon who narrates the story. He is the one who treats Tricki and restores his health by putting him on a strict diet and exercise routine at his surgery.
Read and Find Out (Page 3)
Q4. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Answer: No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki’s mistress. This is evident from the fact that he is amazed and fascinated by the luxurious items Mrs Pumphrey sends for Tricki, such as fresh eggs, bottles of wine, and brandy. He greatly enjoys consuming these provisions and is even tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest so that the flow of luxuries would continue. This clearly shows that the narrator lives a modest life compared to Mrs Pumphrey’s extravagant lifestyle.
Q5. How does he treat the dog?
Answer: Mr Herriot treats Tricki not with medicines or surgery but with common sense. When Tricki arrives at the surgery, Mr Herriot places him in a warm bed and gives him no food for the first two days, only water to drink. He keeps a close watch on the dog. Gradually, as Tricki starts showing interest in his surroundings, Mr Herriot introduces small amounts of food. He allows Tricki to go out and play with the other dogs, who encourage him to run, jump, and be active. Within two weeks, this regime of controlled diet and regular exercise transforms Tricki into a fit and healthy dog.
Q6. Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Answer: Mr Herriot is tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because of the luxurious food and drinks that Mrs Pumphrey keeps sending for Tricki’s recovery. She sends fresh eggs two dozen at a time, which Mr Herriot and his partners enjoy for breakfast. Then she sends bottles of wine to enrich Tricki’s blood, and finally bottles of brandy to help him sleep at night. Mr Herriot and his colleagues have a wonderful time consuming all these provisions. He does not want to lose this flow of luxury and therefore considers keeping Tricki permanently.
Q7. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey thinks the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery” because when she saw Tricki after two weeks, he had been completely transformed. From a hugely fat, listless, and sick animal, Tricki had become a hard-muscled, active, and energetic dog. He leapt into her arms and licked her face joyfully. She was so overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude that she credited this miraculous transformation to Mr Herriot’s surgical expertise. In reality, no surgery or medicine was used at all. It was simply a matter of a controlled diet and regular exercise. Mrs Pumphrey, however, did not understand this and believed that some remarkable medical treatment had cured her beloved pet.
Think about it (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Q1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as a good vet, or would you describe him as sentimental, equally attached to animals?
Answer: The narrator, Mr James Herriot, is a very practical, sensible, and competent veterinary surgeon. He is full of common sense and has a genuine concern for the well-being of his animal patients. When he sees Tricki’s deteriorating condition, he immediately identifies the cause as overfeeding and lack of exercise, not malnutrition as Mrs Pumphrey believes. He is also very tactful in dealing with Mrs Pumphrey. Instead of bluntly telling her that she is responsible for Tricki’s illness, he diplomatically suggests hospitalization. At the surgery, he cures Tricki without using a single medicine or performing any surgery, relying solely on a controlled diet and exercise. He is not overly sentimental, as he views the situation practically. However, he does have a good sense of humour and a weakness for the luxuries that Mrs Pumphrey sends. Overall, he is a skilled vet who combines professional competence with tact and common sense.
Q2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? Do you think Mrs Pumphrey would change the way she treated Tricki?
Answer: Yes, Tricki was very happy to go home. When Mrs Pumphrey arrived at the surgery to collect him, Tricki leapt into her arms and licked her face excitedly. Despite being well-cared-for at the surgery and making friends with the other dogs, Tricki clearly loved his mistress and was delighted to see her again. However, it is doubtful whether Mrs Pumphrey would significantly change the way she treated Tricki. She loved him excessively and found it almost impossible to deny him anything. Her nature of pampering and over-indulgence was deeply ingrained. She might be more careful for a while after Tricki’s illness, but it is likely that she would gradually slip back into her old habits of giving him rich food and not ensuring enough exercise.
Q3. Do you think this is a real-life incident? Or is it a story created by the author? If so, why do you think he wrote it?
Answer: The story appears to be based on real-life experiences, though it may have been embellished for literary effect. James Herriot was a real-life veterinary surgeon who practised in Yorkshire, England, and wrote many books about his experiences with animals and their owners. The incident of a wealthy owner overfeeding her pet is very believable and probably based on something similar that actually happened. However, the humorous details, such as Mr Herriot and his partners feasting on the eggs, wine, and brandy meant for Tricki, may have been exaggerated for comic effect. Herriot likely wrote this story to highlight the importance of proper pet care, to show that love without discipline can be harmful, and to entertain readers with the humour of everyday situations in a veterinary practice.
Talk about it (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Q1. Do you think there are people like Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer: Yes, there are many people like Mrs Pumphrey in real life. Many pet owners, especially wealthy ones, tend to pamper their pets excessively. They give them rich food, expensive accessories, and luxurious comforts without realising that they might be harming the animal’s health. Such people treat their pets more like spoilt children than animals. Their love is genuine, but their approach is misguided. They fail to understand that true care involves discipline, proper diet, and adequate exercise, not just unlimited indulgence.
Q2. Do you think Mrs Pumphrey was guilty of overindulging her pet? What would you say about similar behaviour by parents?
Answer: Yes, Mrs Pumphrey was definitely guilty of overindulging her pet. Her excessive pampering, including feeding him cream cakes, chocolates, and other rich foods without any exercise, directly caused Tricki’s illness. Her love was sincere, but her method of expressing it was harmful. Similarly, many parents also overindulge their children by giving them junk food, expensive gadgets, and unlimited freedom without proper discipline. Such behaviour, while coming from a place of love, can be harmful to the child’s physical and emotional development. Just as Tricki needed a balanced diet and exercise, children also need a balanced upbringing with love, discipline, and healthy habits.
Q3. What would you have done if you were: (a) a member of the household staff, (b) a neighbour?
Answer: (a) If I were a member of the household staff, I would have politely but firmly advised Mrs Pumphrey to follow the veterinary surgeon’s advice. I would have tried to explain to her that overfeeding Tricki was making him sick and that he needed a controlled diet and regular exercise. I would have taken it upon myself to take Tricki for daily walks and ensured that he did not eat too many rich foods between meals.
(b) If I were a neighbour, I would have expressed my concern for Tricki’s health in a friendly manner. I would have shared information about proper pet care and the dangers of overfeeding. I would have offered to help by taking Tricki for walks or suggesting a visit to the veterinary surgeon. I would have been careful not to offend Mrs Pumphrey while making sure that the message about Tricki’s health was clearly communicated.
Q4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
Answer: If I were in the narrator’s place, I would have done largely the same thing. I would have identified the root cause of Tricki’s illness as overfeeding and lack of exercise, and I would have hospitalised the dog to separate him from Mrs Pumphrey’s excessive care. I would have put Tricki on a strict diet with plenty of exercise and allowed him to socialise with other dogs. However, I would have been more direct with Mrs Pumphrey about the cause of Tricki’s illness and given her strict instructions about his diet and exercise routine to prevent the problem from recurring. I would also not have consumed the food and drinks sent for Tricki, as that would be ethically questionable.
Short Answer Type Questions (Extra)
Q1. Who was Tricki and what was his problem?
Answer: Tricki was a small pet dog, a Pekingese, belonging to the wealthy Mrs Pumphrey. His problem was that he was hugely overfed and under-exercised. His mistress pampered him with rich food such as cream cakes, chocolates, cod-liver oil, and Horlicks, which made him extremely fat, listless, and ill. He looked like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner.
Q2. What did Tricki look like when Mr Herriot saw him on the street?
Answer: When Mr Herriot saw Tricki on the street, the dog looked like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes, which were normally bright, had become dull and rheumy (watery). He was hugely fat and waddled along the street. Mr Herriot was shocked at how much weight Tricki had gained since his last visit.
Q3. What advice did Mr Herriot give to Mrs Pumphrey about Tricki?
Answer: Mr Herriot advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down drastically on Tricki’s food intake and to stop giving him the sweet things like cream cakes and chocolates. He also told her to give Tricki plenty of regular exercise by taking him on long walks every day. However, Mrs Pumphrey found it very difficult to follow this advice.
Q4. Why was Mrs Pumphrey unable to follow Mr Herriot’s advice?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was unable to follow Mr Herriot’s advice because she loved Tricki too much and could not bear to see him go without his favourite food. Tricki had a sweet tooth and loved cream cakes and chocolates. Mrs Pumphrey simply could not refuse him when he looked at her with pleading eyes. Her over-indulgent nature made it impossible for her to impose any discipline on her beloved pet.
Q5. What was Mrs Pumphrey’s reaction when Mr Herriot suggested hospitalising Tricki?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was absolutely distraught when Mr Herriot suggested hospitalising Tricki. She almost swooned (fainted) at the idea of being separated from her beloved pet. She wailed that Tricki would pine and die if he was taken away from her. However, Mr Herriot was firm and quickly took Tricki away before she could change her mind or create more drama.
Q6. Describe the scene when Tricki was being taken away from Mrs Pumphrey’s house.
Answer: The scene when Tricki was being taken away was quite dramatic and almost comical. The entire household staff rushed out carrying Tricki’s belongings, including his day bed, night bed, favourite cushions, toys, rubber rings, several coats for different weather conditions, and bowls. It seemed as though a whole family was being moved rather than just one small dog. Mrs Pumphrey stood in tears, and the whole household bid a sorrowful farewell to Tricki.
Q7. How did Mr Herriot treat Tricki at his surgery?
Answer: At his surgery, Mr Herriot placed Tricki in a warm bed and gave him no food for the first two days, only water to drink. He kept a close watch on the dog. Gradually, as Tricki began to show signs of interest in his surroundings, Mr Herriot introduced small amounts of food. He allowed Tricki to go outside and mix with the other dogs, who encouraged him to run and play. This regime of controlled diet and exercise slowly restored Tricki’s health.
Q8. How did Tricki respond to the other dogs at the surgery?
Answer: At first, Tricki showed no interest in the other dogs at the surgery. He simply lay in his basket, unmoving and listless. However, after two days of fasting, he began to show some curiosity about his surroundings. He started watching the bigger dogs with interest as they played. Gradually, he joined them in their games, first tentatively, and then with increasing enthusiasm. He learned to compete for food during mealtimes and became part of the pack, playing, running, and rolling around happily.
Q9. What was Tricki’s condition after two weeks at the surgery?
Answer: After two weeks at the surgery, Tricki was completely transformed. He had changed from a hugely fat, listless, and sick animal into a hard-muscled, fit, and active dog. His eyes were bright again, and he was full of energy. He had become a lean, firm-muscled beast who ran and played with the other dogs throughout the day. It was a remarkable transformation achieved without any medicine or surgery.
Q10. What items did Mrs Pumphrey send for Tricki during his stay at the surgery?
Answer: During Tricki’s stay at the surgery, Mrs Pumphrey sent a regular supply of luxury items. First, she sent fresh eggs, two dozen at a time, to help build up Tricki’s strength. Then she sent bottles of wine to enrich his blood. Finally, she sent bottles of brandy to help him sleep at night. These items were supposedly for Tricki’s benefit, but Mr Herriot and his partners enjoyed consuming them all themselves.
Q11. How did Mr Herriot and his partners benefit from Tricki’s stay?
Answer: Mr Herriot and his partners greatly benefited from Tricki’s stay at the surgery. They enjoyed the fresh eggs that Mrs Pumphrey sent for breakfast. The bottles of wine became a regular feature at their meals, and the brandy was consumed in the evenings. They lived like kings, feasting on the luxuries that Mrs Pumphrey kept sending for Tricki. Mr Herriot was so pleased with this arrangement that he was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest.
Q12. What was Tricki’s main fault, according to Mr Herriot?
Answer: According to Mr Herriot, Tricki’s main fault was his greed for food. Tricki would eat anything at any time. He never refused food, no matter how full he was. This greed, combined with Mrs Pumphrey’s inability to say no to him, led to his obesity and illness. If Tricki had not been so greedy, or if Mrs Pumphrey had been more disciplined, the problem would not have arisen.
Q13. Who was Hodgkin? What role did he play in the story?
Answer: Hodgkin was the gardener at Mrs Pumphrey’s grand house. He played a minor but memorable role in the story. He was among the household staff who came rushing out with Tricki’s belongings when the dog was being taken to the surgery. The elaborate farewell scene, with the staff carrying beds, cushions, toys, and coats, highlighted the excessive pampering that Tricki received in Mrs Pumphrey’s household.
Q14. What does the title “A Triumph of Surgery” really mean?
Answer: The title “A Triumph of Surgery” is deeply ironic. Mrs Pumphrey uses the phrase to describe Tricki’s miraculous recovery, believing that some remarkable surgical or medical treatment had cured her dog. In reality, no surgery or medicine was used at all. The “triumph” was simply Mr Herriot’s common-sense approach of controlling Tricki’s diet and ensuring regular exercise. The title humorously highlights the contrast between Mrs Pumphrey’s dramatic perception and the simple reality of the cure.
Q15. What kind of a person is Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey is a wealthy, kind-hearted, but extremely over-indulgent pet owner. She loves Tricki dearly and treats him more like a spoilt child than a dog. She provides him with every luxury imaginable, including multiple beds, cushions, coats, rich food, and even a ring given by Uncle Doris. She is emotional, dramatic, and lacks practical wisdom when it comes to caring for her pet. She ignores the veterinary surgeon’s advice because she cannot bear to deny Tricki anything. Despite her flaws, her love for Tricki is genuine, and she is deeply grateful to Mr Herriot for restoring his health.
Q16. How did Mrs Pumphrey react when she came to collect Tricki?
Answer: When Mrs Pumphrey came to collect Tricki from the surgery, she was overjoyed at his transformation. Tricki, now fit and energetic, leapt into her lap and licked her face excitedly. Mrs Pumphrey was so overwhelmed with happiness that tears rolled down her cheeks. She was amazed at the change in Tricki and emotionally declared that his recovery was “a triumph of surgery.” She was deeply grateful to Mr Herriot for what she believed was a remarkable medical achievement.
Q17. Why did Mr Herriot finally decide to return Tricki to Mrs Pumphrey?
Answer: Although Mr Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because of the luxurious provisions Mrs Pumphrey kept sending, he ultimately felt compelled to do the right thing. Tricki had fully recovered and was in excellent health. Mr Herriot knew that it would be wrong to keep the dog away from his loving owner any longer. His professional ethics and genuine concern for both Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey’s well-being overcame his temptation, and he called her to come and collect her beloved pet.
Long Answer Type Questions (Extra)
Q1. Discuss the character of Mr James Herriot as portrayed in “A Triumph of Surgery.”
Answer: Mr James Herriot, the narrator of “A Triumph of Surgery,” is a highly skilled and sensible veterinary surgeon. He is a man of great practical wisdom who relies on common sense rather than complicated medical procedures. When he sees Tricki’s bloated condition, he immediately identifies the cause as overfeeding and lack of exercise, while Mrs Pumphrey incorrectly believes it to be malnutrition. This shows his sharp diagnostic ability. He is also very tactful in his dealings with Mrs Pumphrey. Instead of bluntly accusing her of making Tricki sick, he diplomatically suggests hospitalization. At the surgery, he cures Tricki without using a single medicine, simply through a controlled diet and exercise regime, which demonstrates his deep understanding of animal health. However, Mr Herriot also has a human side. He enjoys the luxurious eggs, wine, and brandy that Mrs Pumphrey sends and is even tempted to keep Tricki permanently for this reason. Despite this temptation, his professional ethics and genuine concern for the dog prevail, and he returns Tricki to Mrs Pumphrey. Overall, Mr Herriot is portrayed as a competent, compassionate, humorous, and ethical veterinary surgeon who uses his knowledge and common sense to solve problems effectively.
Q2. How did Mrs Pumphrey’s overindulgence harm Tricki? What lesson does this teach us?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey’s overindulgence caused serious harm to Tricki’s health. She fed him excessively with rich food such as cream cakes, chocolates, cod-liver oil, malt, and Horlicks. She gave him no regular exercise and pampered him with every luxury. As a result, Tricki became hugely fat and looked like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. He became listless, lost his appetite, had bouts of vomiting, and spent all his time lying on the rug panting. His eyes became dull and rheumy. His condition deteriorated to such an extent that he had to be hospitalised. All of this was caused not by any disease but by Mrs Pumphrey’s misguided love and inability to say no to her pet. This teaches us an important lesson that love without discipline can be harmful. Whether it is a pet or a child, excessive pampering and indulgence do more harm than good. True care involves setting boundaries, maintaining discipline, and sometimes being firm for the well-being of those we love. It also teaches us to listen to expert advice rather than following our emotions blindly.
Q3. Compare and contrast the characters of Mr Herriot and Mrs Pumphrey in the story.
Answer: Mr Herriot and Mrs Pumphrey are two very different characters who represent contrasting approaches to care and affection. Mrs Pumphrey is a wealthy, emotional, and over-indulgent pet owner who showers Tricki with rich food, luxurious accessories, and constant attention. She believes that giving Tricki everything he wants is a sign of love. However, this approach is guided by emotion rather than reason, and it ultimately makes Tricki seriously ill. She is unable to follow the vet’s advice because she cannot bear to deny Tricki his favourite treats. On the other hand, Mr Herriot is a practical, sensible, and professionally competent veterinary surgeon. He understands that true care involves discipline and proper health management. He identifies the real cause of Tricki’s illness and cures him through a simple regime of dietary control and exercise, not medicine or surgery. While Mrs Pumphrey is dramatic and emotional, Mr Herriot is calm and rational. While she pampers Tricki to the point of illness, he restores his health through disciplined care. However, both characters share a genuine concern for Tricki’s well-being. Mrs Pumphrey’s love, though misguided, is sincere, and Mr Herriot’s care, though practical, is compassionate.
Q4. Justify the title “A Triumph of Surgery” with reference to the story.
Answer: The title “A Triumph of Surgery” is highly ironic and serves as a humorous commentary on the events of the story. When Mrs Pumphrey sees Tricki’s remarkable transformation from a fat, listless, and sick animal to a hard-muscled, active, and healthy dog, she is overwhelmed with joy and declares his recovery “a triumph of surgery.” She believes that some extraordinary surgical or medical procedure was performed on Tricki to achieve this miracle. However, the irony lies in the fact that no surgery, medicine, or medical procedure was used at all. Mr Herriot simply put Tricki on a strict diet, gave him only water for the first two days, and then gradually introduced regular meals and exercise. The “surgery” in the title refers to Mr Herriot’s surgery or clinic where Tricki stayed, not to any surgical operation. The real triumph was Mr Herriot’s common sense, practical wisdom, and understanding of animal health. The title cleverly plays on the double meaning of the word “surgery” (a medical operation versus a doctor’s clinic) and highlights the contrast between Mrs Pumphrey’s dramatic perception and the simple reality of the treatment. It also adds to the humour of the story.
Q5. Describe the journey of Tricki from illness to recovery in the story.
Answer: Tricki’s journey from illness to recovery is the central narrative of the story and can be divided into three phases. In the first phase, Tricki is living with Mrs Pumphrey, who pampers him excessively with rich food and no exercise. He becomes hugely obese, looking like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. He loses his appetite, vomits frequently, and becomes completely listless, spending all his time lying on the rug and panting. His condition worsens to such an extent that Mrs Pumphrey, unable to cope, calls Mr Herriot for help. In the second phase, Mr Herriot takes Tricki to his surgery. For the first two days, Tricki is given no food, only water. He lies motionless in his basket, showing no interest in anything. Gradually, he begins to look around with curiosity. He watches the other dogs play and slowly starts to join them. Mr Herriot introduces small amounts of food, and Tricki begins eating with increasing enthusiasm. He learns to compete with the bigger dogs for food and starts playing, running, and rolling around with them. In the third phase, after two weeks, Tricki is completely transformed. He has become a hard-muscled, fit, and energetic animal, full of life and vitality. When Mrs Pumphrey arrives to collect him, he leaps into her arms with joy. His recovery is complete, achieved through nothing more than a controlled diet, regular exercise, and the companionship of other dogs.
Q6. “Excess of anything is bad.” Discuss this statement with reference to “A Triumph of Surgery.”
Answer: The story “A Triumph of Surgery” is a perfect illustration of the saying “Excess of anything is bad.” Mrs Pumphrey’s excessive love and care for her pet dog Tricki is the root cause of all the problems in the story. She feeds him excessively with cream cakes, chocolates, cod-liver oil, malt, and Horlicks. She gives him no exercise and pampers him with multiple beds, cushions, coats, and toys. This excess of food and luxury, combined with a complete lack of discipline and exercise, makes Tricki extremely fat and eventually seriously ill. He becomes listless, loses his appetite, vomits frequently, and lies on the rug panting all day. Mrs Pumphrey’s love for Tricki is genuine, but because it is excessive and without any restraint or discipline, it harms the very creature she adores. The contrast is provided by Mr Herriot, who takes a balanced approach. He gives Tricki no food for two days, then introduces controlled meals with plenty of exercise. This balanced regime quickly restores Tricki’s health. The message is clear: whether it is food, love, pampering, or any other aspect of life, moderation and balance are essential. Excess, even of something good like love, can have harmful consequences.
Q7. What role do the other dogs at Mr Herriot’s surgery play in Tricki’s recovery?
Answer: The other dogs at Mr Herriot’s surgery play a significant and important role in Tricki’s recovery. When Tricki first arrives at the surgery, he is listless and shows no interest in anything. He lies in his basket, barely moving. However, as the days pass and his health begins to improve with the controlled diet, the other dogs become an important factor in his rehabilitation. The bigger dogs run around the yard, play, chase each other, and engage in rough-and-tumble games. Tricki watches them at first with curiosity and then with growing interest. Gradually, he begins to join them, first tentatively and then with increasing confidence and enthusiasm. He starts running, playing, and rolling around with the other dogs. During mealtimes, the dogs compete for food in a friendly scrimmage, and Tricki learns to hold his own among them. This physical activity and social interaction are crucial to Tricki’s recovery. The exercise helps him lose weight and build muscle, while the companionship of the other dogs provides mental stimulation and happiness. The other dogs essentially serve as Tricki’s physical trainers and social companions, helping him transform from a pampered, inactive, and overweight pet into a fit, active, and socially well-adjusted animal.
Q8. Was Mr Herriot right in consuming the food and drinks meant for Tricki? Discuss the ethical aspects of his behaviour.
Answer: Mr Herriot’s consumption of the eggs, wine, and brandy that Mrs Pumphrey sent for Tricki raises interesting ethical questions. On one hand, Mrs Pumphrey sent these items specifically for Tricki’s recovery, and consuming them could be seen as dishonest. Mr Herriot did not inform Mrs Pumphrey that Tricki did not need these luxurious provisions and that they were being consumed by the staff instead. He even considered keeping Tricki as a permanent guest to continue receiving these luxuries, which suggests a degree of self-interest. On the other hand, Mr Herriot’s primary responsibility was Tricki’s health, and he fulfilled that responsibility excellently. He cured Tricki without any medicine or surgery, using only common sense and practical care. The eggs, wine, and brandy were not necessary for Tricki’s treatment and would have been wasted otherwise. Moreover, Mr Herriot did not charge Mrs Pumphrey for any expensive medical procedures, even though he could have. His enjoyment of the provisions can be seen as a harmless perk of his profession rather than a serious ethical violation. Ultimately, while Mr Herriot’s behaviour was not entirely above reproach, his genuine concern for Tricki’s health and his professional competence far outweigh any minor ethical lapses.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who is the author of “A Triumph of Surgery”?
(a) Ruskin Bond
(b) R.K. Narayan
(c) James Herriot
(d) Roald Dahl
Answer: (c) James Herriot
Q2. Who does ‘I’ refer to in the story?
(a) Mrs Pumphrey
(b) Tricki
(c) Mr James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon
(d) Hodgkin, the gardener
Answer: (c) Mr James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon
Q3. What did Tricki look like when Mr Herriot saw him?
(a) Very thin and weak
(b) Like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner
(c) Very smart and active
(d) Tall and muscular
Answer: (b) Like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner
Q4. What did Mrs Pumphrey think Tricki was suffering from?
(a) Fever
(b) Malnutrition
(c) Stomach pain
(d) A broken leg
Answer: (b) Malnutrition
Q5. For how many days was Tricki given no food at the surgery?
(a) One day
(b) Two days
(c) Three days
(d) Five days
Answer: (b) Two days
Q6. What was Tricki’s main fault?
(a) He was very aggressive
(b) He was very lazy
(c) He was very greedy for food
(d) He was very noisy
Answer: (c) He was very greedy for food
Q7. Who was Hodgkin in the story?
(a) A dog at the surgery
(b) Mrs Pumphrey’s gardener
(c) A veterinary surgeon
(d) Mrs Pumphrey’s neighbour
Answer: (b) Mrs Pumphrey’s gardener
Q8. Why was the narrator tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest?
(a) Because he loved Tricki
(b) Because he wanted to help Mrs Pumphrey
(c) Because he and his partners were enjoying the eggs, wine, and brandy sent by Mrs Pumphrey
(d) Because Tricki was not yet fully recovered
Answer: (c) Because he and his partners were enjoying the eggs, wine, and brandy sent by Mrs Pumphrey
Q9. What is the meaning of the word “distraught”?
(a) Happy
(b) Calm
(c) Very worried and upset
(d) Angry
Answer: (c) Very worried and upset
Q10. What is the meaning of the word “convalescing”?
(a) Getting worse
(b) Recovering after an illness
(c) Feeling hungry
(d) Sleeping deeply
Answer: (b) Recovering after an illness
Q11. What is the meaning of the word “lithe”?
(a) Fat and heavy
(b) Thin and graceful
(c) Dirty and ugly
(d) Rude and aggressive
Answer: (b) Thin and graceful
Q12. What is the meaning of “scrimmage” as used in the story?
(a) A formal dinner
(b) A rough or confused struggle or fight
(c) A peaceful walk
(d) A medical procedure
Answer: (b) A rough or confused struggle or fight
Q13. Mrs Pumphrey was a very _______ lady.
(a) Poor
(b) Cruel
(c) Rich
(d) Strict
Answer: (c) Rich
Q14. What did Mrs Pumphrey send to enrich Tricki’s blood?
(a) Fresh eggs
(b) Bottles of wine
(c) Bottles of brandy
(d) Cream cakes
Answer: (b) Bottles of wine
Q15. How would you best describe Mrs Pumphrey?
(a) Wise and practical
(b) Over-indulgent and emotional
(c) Cruel and heartless
(d) Intelligent and rational
Answer: (b) Over-indulgent and emotional
Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1:
“I was shocked at his appearance. He had become hugely fat, like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes, normally so sparkling, looked dull and rheumy.”
(a) Who is ‘I’ in the above extract?
Answer: ‘I’ refers to Mr James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon and narrator of the story.
(b) Who is being described in this passage?
Answer: Tricki, Mrs Pumphrey’s pet dog, is being described in this passage.
(c) Why had he become hugely fat?
Answer: He had become hugely fat because Mrs Pumphrey overfed him with rich food such as cream cakes, chocolates, cod-liver oil, malt, and Horlicks without giving him any exercise.
(d) What does the word “rheumy” mean?
Answer: “Rheumy” means watery or moist, usually referring to eyes that are dull and watering due to illness or poor health.
Extract 2:
“Mrs Pumphrey hastened to explain, ‘He was so listless, Mr Herriot. He seemed to have no energy. I thought he must be suffering from malnutrition, so I have been giving him some little extras between meals to build him up.’”
(a) Why was Mrs Pumphrey explaining this to Mr Herriot?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey was explaining this because Mr Herriot had noticed how fat Tricki had become and had asked her about his diet. She was trying to justify why she had been giving Tricki extra food.
(b) What does “listless” mean?
Answer: “Listless” means lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest. It describes a state of being tired and without any desire to do anything.
(c) Was Mrs Pumphrey’s diagnosis correct?
Answer: No, Mrs Pumphrey’s diagnosis was completely wrong. Tricki was not suffering from malnutrition. He was suffering from the opposite problem, namely overeating and lack of exercise. His listlessness was caused by obesity, not by a lack of food.
(d) What “little extras” was she giving Tricki?
Answer: The “little extras” Mrs Pumphrey was giving Tricki included malt, cod-liver oil, a bowl of Horlicks at night, cream cakes, and chocolates. These were all rich, high-calorie foods that only worsened his condition.
Extract 3:
“I had made up my mind. I suggested that she should leave him with me for a fortnight. She almost swooned. She was sure he would pine and die if he did not see her every day.”
(a) What had the narrator made up his mind about?
Answer: The narrator had made up his mind to hospitalise Tricki at his surgery for two weeks to separate the dog from Mrs Pumphrey’s excessive care and put him on a controlled diet and exercise regime.
(b) Why did Mrs Pumphrey almost swoon?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey almost swooned (fainted) because she was shocked and distressed at the idea of being separated from her beloved pet Tricki. She could not bear the thought of not seeing him every day.
(c) What does the word “fortnight” mean?
Answer: “Fortnight” means a period of two weeks (fourteen days).
(d) Did Tricki pine and die as Mrs Pumphrey feared?
Answer: No, Tricki did not pine and die. On the contrary, after a few days at the surgery, he began to recover rapidly. He started eating, playing with the other dogs, and regained his health completely within two weeks.
Extract 4:
“Mrs Pumphrey was overjoyed at the change in her pet. She could not stop stroking the little dog. ‘Oh, Mr Herriot,’ she cried, ‘how can I ever thank you? This is a triumph of surgery!’”
(a) What change had occurred in Mrs Pumphrey’s pet?
Answer: Tricki had been transformed from a hugely fat, listless, and sick animal into a hard-muscled, fit, active, and energetic dog. He was full of life and vitality when Mrs Pumphrey came to collect him.
(b) Why did Mrs Pumphrey call it “a triumph of surgery”?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey called it “a triumph of surgery” because she believed that some remarkable surgical or medical treatment had been performed on Tricki to achieve this miraculous transformation. She did not know that the recovery was due to simple dietary control and exercise.
(c) Was any surgery actually performed on Tricki?
Answer: No, no surgery or medicine was used at all. Mr Herriot simply put Tricki on a strict diet, gave him only water for the first two days, and then allowed him to eat regular meals and exercise with the other dogs. The word “surgery” in the title actually refers to the vet’s clinic, not a surgical operation.
(d) What is the tone of Mrs Pumphrey’s statement?
Answer: The tone of Mrs Pumphrey’s statement is one of immense gratitude, joy, and emotional excitement. She is overwhelmed with happiness at Tricki’s recovery and deeply grateful to Mr Herriot. However, her statement is also deeply ironic because the “triumph” was not of surgery but of common sense and practical care.
Extract 5:
“I watched in amazement as eggs, wine and brandy flowed in. It was a temptation I could not resist. I began to feel that Tricki had to stay on permanently.”
(a) Who is ‘I’ in this extract?
Answer: ‘I’ refers to Mr James Herriot, the veterinary surgeon and narrator of the story.
(b) Why were eggs, wine, and brandy being sent?
Answer: Mrs Pumphrey sent fresh eggs to build up Tricki’s strength, bottles of wine to enrich his blood, and bottles of brandy to help him sleep at night during his stay at the surgery.
(c) What was the temptation the narrator could not resist?
Answer: The temptation was to keep Tricki as a permanent guest at the surgery so that the regular flow of luxurious provisions, including eggs, wine, and brandy, from Mrs Pumphrey would continue. Mr Herriot and his partners were thoroughly enjoying these items.
(d) Did the narrator give in to this temptation?
Answer: No, despite the temptation, Mr Herriot’s professional ethics and concern for Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey prevailed. He called Mrs Pumphrey to inform her that Tricki had recovered and was ready to go home.
Value-Based Questions
Q1. What values does Mr Herriot display in the story “A Triumph of Surgery”? How can these values be applied in our daily lives?
Answer: Mr Herriot displays several admirable values throughout the story. First, he shows professional competence and wisdom by correctly diagnosing Tricki’s problem as overfeeding rather than malnutrition. Second, he demonstrates honesty and integrity by choosing the simple, effective treatment of diet control and exercise instead of prescribing unnecessary medicines to earn more money. Third, he shows compassion and concern for both Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey, ensuring the dog’s health while being sensitive to the owner’s feelings. Fourth, despite being tempted by the luxuries Mrs Pumphrey sends, he ultimately displays ethical behaviour by returning Tricki when he has recovered. Fifth, he exhibits practical wisdom by using common sense rather than complicated procedures to solve the problem. These values can be applied in our daily lives by being honest in our work, using practical solutions to problems, showing compassion towards others, maintaining professional ethics even when tempted, and relying on common sense and discipline rather than extravagance.
Q2. “True love means caring responsibly, not pampering excessively.” Discuss this statement in light of Mrs Pumphrey’s treatment of Tricki.
Answer: This statement perfectly captures the central lesson of “A Triumph of Surgery.” Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki deeply and genuinely, but her way of expressing love was through excessive pampering rather than responsible care. She fed him rich food like cream cakes, chocolates, malt, and cod-liver oil without any restraint. She gave him no exercise and surrounded him with luxuries like multiple beds, cushions, and coats. She believed that giving Tricki everything he wanted was the best way to show her love. However, this excessive indulgence made Tricki hugely fat, listless, and seriously ill. In contrast, Mr Herriot’s approach, while seemingly harsh (no food for two days, strict diet, exercise), was truly caring because it restored Tricki’s health and happiness. This teaches us that true love is not about giving everything but about giving what is right. It means sometimes saying no, setting boundaries, and making tough decisions for the well-being of those we love. Parents who discipline their children, teachers who hold students to high standards, and friends who give honest advice are all demonstrating true love. Excessive pampering, like Mrs Pumphrey’s, may feel like love, but it can cause real harm. Responsible, balanced care is the truest expression of love.
Q3. What lesson does “A Triumph of Surgery” teach us about the importance of listening to expert advice?
Answer: “A Triumph of Surgery” teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of listening to and following expert advice. Mr Herriot, an experienced veterinary surgeon, clearly advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down on Tricki’s food and give him more exercise. He could see that overfeeding was the root cause of Tricki’s problems. However, Mrs Pumphrey, blinded by her emotional attachment, ignored this professional advice and continued to overfeed Tricki with rich food. She thought she knew what was best for her pet and believed he was suffering from malnutrition when the truth was the exact opposite. The result was that Tricki’s condition worsened dramatically until he had to be hospitalised. It was only when Mr Herriot took complete control and applied his professional knowledge that Tricki recovered. This teaches us that experts, whether they are doctors, teachers, or other professionals, have specialised knowledge and experience that we should respect and follow. While our emotions and instincts are important, they should not override expert advice, especially in matters of health and well-being. Ignoring expert guidance due to emotional attachment or stubbornness can lead to serious consequences, as the story clearly demonstrates.