CHAPTER-1
A
TRIUMPH OF SURGERY
JAMES HERRIOT✍
SUMMARY
1. Introduction
of Characters:
👉James Herriot – A kind and experienced veterinary doctor.
👉Mrs. Pumphrey – A rich and emotional lady, owner of the dog
Tricki.
👉Tricki – A small, fat, pampered pet dog.
👉Mrs. Pumphrey – A rich and emotional lady, owner of the dog Tricki.
👉Tricki – A small, fat, pampered pet dog.
2. Tricki’s Illness Begins:
👉Tricki was very fat and looked
like a bloated sausage.
👉He became lazy, stopped playing,
and refused to eat.
👉Mrs. Pumphrey was very worried
and gave him tonics, cream cakes, and more food.
👉She thought he had malnutrition,
but he was actually overfed.
3. Doctor Herriot’s Advice:
👉Dr. Herriot saw that Tricki
needed a strict diet and exercise.
👉He told Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki
needed to be hospitalized.
👉Mrs. Pumphrey was heartbroken but
agreed to send him with the doctor.
4. Tricki at the Surgery (Hospital):
👉Tricki was taken to the clinic (surgery).
👉At first, he didn’t eat anything
for 2 days.
👉Then, he slowly started showing
interest in food.
👉He began playing with other dogs
and became more active.
👉No medicines were given — only a
simple diet and exercise.
3. Tricki Recovers Fully:
👉Tricki lost weight and became
healthy and fit.
👉He started behaving like a normal
dog — running, playing, jumping.
4. Tricki Returns Home:
👉After a few days, Dr. Herriot
took Tricki back to Mrs. Pumphrey.
👉She was extremely happy to see
him active and healthy.
👉She thanked the doctor and said,
“This is a triumph of surgery!”
5. Moral / Message:
👉Too much love and pampering can
be harmful.
👉A balanced lifestyle, not
overfeeding, is necessary for health.
👉Sometimes, simple care (like food and exercise) is
more effective than medicines.
1.
What do you think
would happen to Tricki after he went back to Mrs. Pumphrey?
Answer: If Tricki goes back to Mrs. Pumphrey and she doesn’t
change her ways, he might become sick again. But if she learns from this
experience, she may give him a proper diet and exercise. This will help Tricki
stay healthy and avoid the problems he faced before.
2.
“I was really worried
about Tricki this time.” Comment on the writer’s choice of beginning the story
in this manner. What purpose does it serve?
Answer: The writer begins the story with “I was really worried
about Tricki this time” to catch the reader’s attention and create curiosity.
It sets a serious tone and shows that something is wrong with Tricki. This
opening makes readers want to know what happened and keeps them interested in
the story.
3.
Do you think the
narrator’s decision to not reveal the actual treatment to Mrs. Pumphrey was
unprofessional? Justify your stance.
Answer: The narrator’s decision to not reveal the actual
treatment to Mrs. Pumphrey can seem unprofessional, as honesty is important in
a doctor-client relationship. However, he did it with good intentions. He knew
she was emotional and might not handle the truth well. His main focus was
Tricki’s recovery, which was successfully achieved.
4.
“Tricki’s only fault
was greed”, says the narrator. What might be Mrs. Pumphrey’s “only fault”?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s only fault was her overindulgence. She
was loving and caring but did not understand the needs of a healthy pet. By
giving Tricki too much food and pampering, she unknowingly harmed him. Her
affection was genuine, but without proper knowledge, it became dangerous for
Tricki’s health.
5. According to a popular quote— Where there is no struggle, there is no
strength. In what way is this quote relevant to the events of the story?
Answer: The
quote “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength” fits the story well.
Tricki had to struggle with illness caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise.
This struggle led to a change in his lifestyle, making him active and healthy
again. Without this tough phase, Tricki would not have become strong and fit.
6. ‘Privilege often
confuses actual needs for perceived ones.’ Evaluate this statement with
reference to Mrs. Pumphrey.
Answer: The quote “Privilege often confuses actual needs for
perceived ones” fits Mrs. Pumphrey’s actions well. Being rich and emotional,
she gave Tricki rich food and pampered him too much, thinking it was love. But
what Tricki truly needed was simple food, exercise, and care. Her privilege blinded
her to his real needs, causing him harm.
7. Imagine Mrs. Pumphrey
came to know how Tricki was actually treated. Write a brief note to the
narrator on her behalf.
You may begin this way:
Dear Mr. Herriot
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she brought her Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I
spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to
me. Imagine my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing to
you to share……(continue)……...
Answer:
Dear Mr. Herriot,
I recently met Mrs. Mallard when she brought her Pixie to visit dear Tricki. I
spoke to her about the great triumph of surgery that had brought him back to
me. Imagine my surprise when she told me how mistaken I was! I am writing to
you to share my mixed feelings of guilt and gratitude.
I now realise that what I thought was love and care was actually making Tricki
weak and unhealthy. I was blind to his real needs. I’m truly thankful to you
and your staff for treating him with such care and discipline. You saved his
life not with medicines, but with the right approach. I’ll be more responsible
from now on.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Pumphrey
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1.
Imagine that one of
Mr. Herriot’s partners can understand the language of dogs and listens to
Tricki on his last night with them
a) What might Tricki share about his experience?
b) How would he evaluate it in comparison to his home experience?
Answer:
a) On his last night at the hospital, Tricki might share
how thankful he feels for the care he received. He would say that at first, he
was confused and scared, but later he felt happy, healthy, and strong. Tricki
might thank Mr. Herriot and the staff for helping him lose weight, play again,
and feel free like a real dog. He would talk about how fun it was to run with
other dogs and eat only when he was hungry.
b) Tricki would compare his hospital stay to his home and realize that too much
pampering was not good for him. He might say that Mrs. Pumphrey loved him too
much, but gave him too many sweets and no exercise. At the hospital, he got
what he really needed — a simple, active life. Tricki would say that he now
feels much better and hopes Mrs. Pumphrey understands what is truly best for
his health.
2.
Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr.
Herriot have been invited to speak at a community pet adoption drive.
There were some differences in Mrs. Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot’s notions of
responsibility and experiences of keeping a pet. As a reporter for the local
pet magazine, write an article recording and comparing their perspectives.
Don’t forget to give it an interesting title.
Answer:
Title: Love or Care? Two Voices on Pet Parenting
At the local pet adoption drive, pet lovers were eager to hear from Mrs.
Pumphrey and Dr. Herriot — two people with very different experiences of owning
a pet.
Mrs. Pumphrey spoke warmly about her pampered dog, Tricki. She shared how
she gave him rich food, clothes, and comfort, thinking it was love. But her
over-care led to Tricki’s illness. She admitted her mistake and said that love
alone isn't enough — pets need healthy habits too.
Dr. Herriot, an experienced vet, offered a more practical view. He
explained that responsible pet ownership means regular vet visits, balanced
diet, daily exercise, and mental care. He stressed that pets are not toys or
fashion statements — they are living beings with needs.
Though their views differed, both agreed on one point: pets deserve proper
care. Mrs. Pumphrey promised to do better, and Dr. Herriot encouraged all pet
owners to learn and act wisely.
This event reminded everyone: true love means caring the right way.
3.
Imagine that Walt
Whitman shares his poem ‘Animals’ in response to Dr. Herriot’s narration of
Tricki’s story.
Dr. Herriot reflects on the poem and his experience with Tricki and Mrs
Pumphrey, draws a connection between them and records his thoughts in his
diary.
Write the diary entry as Dr. Herriot.
You may begin this way:
12 May 1950, Friday 9.30 pm
Walt’s poem has compelled me to think again about my experience with Tricki and
Mrs Pumphrey. All those materialistic playthings ….
Answer:
12 May 1950, Friday
9:30 PM
Walt Whitman's poem “Animals” has truly made me reflect on my recent experience
with Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey. All those luxury items — silk cushions, rich
meals, vitamins — were symbols of love, yes, but also of misunderstanding.
Whitman admires animals for being calm, content, and free from greed and guilt.
Tricki, too, asked for nothing. He never whined or complained. Yet, he suffered
silently under the weight of overindulgence. He, like all animals, only needed
care, routine, and freedom to be himself.
Mrs. Pumphrey’s intentions were kind, but she misunderstood what Tricki truly
needed — not pampering, but balance. I could see what Whitman meant when he
said, “I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and
self-contained.”
This incident reminded me that as a vet, my job is not just to heal animals,
but also to guide humans — to remind them that love should be wise. May
Tricki’s story open more eyes.
EXTRACT BASED QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed,
his night bed, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch
bowl, supper bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all the stuff, I
started to drive away. As I moved off, Mrs Pumphrey, with a despairing cry,
threw an armful of the little coats through the window. I looked in the mirror
before I turned the corner of the drive; everybody was in tears. Out on the
road, I glanced down at the pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by my
side. I patted the head and Tricki made a brave effort to wag his tail. “Poor
old lad,” I said. “You haven’t a kick in you but I think I know a cure for
you.”
i. What might the
atmosphere of the household in the above extract signify?
a) Mrs Pumphrey’s status in society reflected in Tricki’s lifestyle.
b) The staff’s love for Tricki, which matched that of Mrs. Pumphrey
c) The grand life of comforts and luxuries that Tricki enjoyed.
d) Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence and anxiety acted upon by the staff.
ii. Given below are emoticons reflecting various
expressions and reactions. Choose the option that correctly describes the
narrator’s mindset in the given extract.
b) Options (ii) and (iv)
c) Options (iii) and (v)
d) Options (ii) and (v)
Choose the option that correctly identifies the quote that IS NOT appropriate to the consolation offered.
b) Option (ii)
c) Option (iii)
d) Option (iv)
iv. As the extract
indicates, Mrs. Pumphrey indulged Tricki and bought him many things.
Choose the option that best describes the kinds of advertisement/s that seem
likely to persuade Mrs. Pumphrey to buy something for Tricki.
(i) Statistics Appeal – Such advertisements use facts and data to
convince consumers to buy products.
(ii) Scarcity Appeal – Such advertisements create a feeling of
exclusivity and are often used to convince people to take advantage of a sale
or limited period offer.
(iii) Personal Appeal – Such advertisements focus on evoking emotions to
convince consumers and often relate to family or other inter-personal
interactions.
(iv) Fear Appeal – Such advertisements focus on inspiring some kind of
fear to convince consumers to take action in order to avoid certain negative or
undesirable consequences.
a) Options (i), (ii) and (iv)
b) Options (iii) and (iv)
c) Options (i), (iii) and (iv)
d) Option (ii) only
v. The narrator describes Tricki as a “pathetic little
animal”. The use of the word ‘pathetic’ indicates that the narrator
a) was very fond of Tricki.
b) thought Tricki was contemptible.
c) pitied Tricki’s condition.
d) believed Tricki’s health was deteriorating.
ANSWER
i-d, ii–b, iii–d, iv–b, v–c
EXTRACT-2
He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every
few minutes. He became an accepted member of the gang, an unlikely, silky
little object among the shaggy crew, fighting like a tiger for his share at
mealtimes and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night. He had never had such
a time in his life. All the while, Mrs Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the
background, ringing a dozen times a day for the latest bulletins.
i. Read the following
statements, each of which describes the gist of the given extract.
Select the option that captures the essence of the extract correctly.
Statement I – It highlights the kind of comforts and luxuries that Tricki was
used to at home.
Statement II – It brings out a contrast between Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s state
of being.
Statement III – It reflects that Tricki was happier at the surgery, and loved being
with other dogs.
Statement IV – It shows Tricki’s journey with his peers at the surgery, and documents
his recovery.
a) Statements I and II
b) Statements III and IV
c) Statements I and III
d) Statements II and IV
ii. What does the
reference to Tricki as a “silky little object” signify?
a) Tricki was a very small and rather pampered dog.
b) Tricki was comfortably attired in fine silks and warm coats.
c) Unlike the other dogs, Tricki had lived in the lap of luxury with care and
grooming.
d) The narrator’s mockery of Tricki’s life and treatment with Mrs. Pumphrey.
iii. Why does the narrator
describe being “tramped on and squashed” as joys?
a) To suggest the irony about the strange ways of dogs.
b) To mention the simple pleasures of canine life.
c) To compare it to Tricki’s earlier play-time at the house.
d) To direct attention towards Tricki’s successful recovery.
iv. “All the while, Mrs
Pumphrey hovered anxiously in the background”.
Given below are different types of pet parenting styles described in Country Living,
an e-magazine.
Choose the option that best reflects the kind of pet owner Mrs. Pumphrey was.
(i) Traffic Light pet owners have a healthy balance of rules and freedom and
give clear and consistent signals for ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
(ii) Entranced pet owners have the best intentions, but as soon as their pet
locks eyes with them and gives their command, they are at their pet's beck and
call.
(iii) The Goose pet owners go all-out in protecting their pet. They often limit
their time away from their pet, especially puppies.
(iv) The Baggage Handler pet owners love being close to their pets and going on
adventures together. They are always mindful of the pet's comfort and security
.
a) Option (i)
b) Option
(ii)
c) Option (iii)
d)
Option (iv)
v. Pick the option that
reveals Tricki’s characteristics in the context of ‘fighting like a tiger for
his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night.’
1) selfish
2) happy
3) greedy
4)
confident
5) sturdy
6) cruel
a) 2,4 and 5
b) Only 2
c) 1 and 5
d) 3,4 and
6
ANSWER
i–d, ii – c, iii – b, iv – b, v – a
EXTRACT-3
Tricki was tottering along in his little tweed coat.... He struggled on,
drooping in his harness. I thought it wouldn’t be long before I heard from Mrs.
Pumphrey. The expected call came within a few days. Mrs. Pumphrey was
distraught. Tricki would eat nothing. Refused even his favourite dishes; and
besides, he had bouts of vomiting. He spent all his time lying on a rug,
panting. Didn’t want to go for walks, didn’t want to do anything. I had made my
plans in advance. The only way was to get Tricki out of the house for a period.
I suggested that he be hospitalized for about a fortnight to be kept under
observation. The poor lady almost swooned. She was sure he would pine and die
if he did not see her every day. But I took a firm line. Tricki was very ill
and this was the only way to save him.
(A) Mrs. Pumphrey was worried that Tricki would pine and die without her.
(B) The author was aware of the severity of Tricki’s medical condition.
(C) The author knew about Mrs. Pumphrey’s financial condition.
(D) The author had planned his own vacation.
ii. The author firmly
proposed the need to remove Tricki from the house for a specified period.
Elaborate the reason for doing so in about 40 words. 2
The word ‘swooned’ in the following sentence indicates almost ________ (tripped/fainted).
iv. “Mrs. Pumphrey was
distraught.” What does this suggest about her character? Mention any one
reason. 1
ANSWER
i-b,
ii-The author proposed removing Tricki from the house because he realized the
dog’s illness was caused by overfeeding, pampering, and lack of exercise.
Hospitalization was necessary to control his diet, monitor him carefully, and
restore his health.
iii-The word ‘swooned’ in the following sentence indicates almost fainted.
iv. “Mrs. Pumphrey
was distraught.” This suggests that she was overly emotional and deeply
attached to Tricki, worrying excessively about his well-being.
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