Class 10 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary: A Question of Trust is an engaging short story by Victor Canning about Horace Danby, a meticulous thief who robs only once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare, expensive books. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Horace encounters a clever young woman at a safe house who tricks him into opening a safe for her, pretending to be the owner of the house. Horace is eventually arrested because his fingerprints are found everywhere, teaching readers the irony that even among thieves, honor and trust are rare. For AP Board exams, questions focus on character analysis and plot twists.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally considered a respectable citizen who makes locks. However, he has a secret passion for collecting expensive books, which drives him to commit one safe robbery every year.
The Irony of 'Trust'
The title is deeply ironic because Horace trusts the young woman believing she is the homeowner, only to be betrayed and framed by her. Ultimately, Horace realizes he cannot trust anyone, not even fellow criminals.
The Clever Young Woman
A charming, confident woman dressed in red who outwits Horace by pretending to be the mistress of Shotover Grange, convincing him to break open the safe without any suspicion.
The Climax and Arrest
Horace opens the safe without wearing gloves to appease the woman, leaving his fingerprints all over the room. Two days later, he is arrested for the robbery of jewels at Shotover Grange.
Horace's Allergy
Horace suffers from hay fever attacks whenever he smells flowers, a specific plot detail that gives away his presence at the crime scene during his robbery.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 10 English board exams, supplementary reader chapters usually carry 3 to 5 marks. Questions are typically short answer questions (SAQs) testing character sketches, plot comprehension, or paragraph-based questions reflecting on the theme of trust and deception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby rob only once a year?
Horace robs only once a year because he steals just enough money to buy his expensive books for twelve months, believing this minimizes his chances of getting caught.
How did the young woman trick Horace Danby?
She acted extremely confident, pretended to be the wife of the house owner, and threatened to call the police unless Horace opened the safe for her, making him forget to wear his gloves.
What is the main moral of the story 'A Question of Trust'?
The story teaches that trust can be easily misplaced, and criminals often face betrayal. It highlights the irony that professional thieves can also be outsmarted by clever deceivers.
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