Class 10 English - GUJARAT
Supplementary: A Triumph of Surgery
A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot is a touching and humorous story from the Class 10 GSEB English supplementary reader, Footprints Without Feet. The narrative revolves around a pampered small dog named Tricki, whose rich mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey, overfeeds him out of excessive love, leading to a serious illness. The story highlights the practical wisdom of the veterinary surgeon, Mr. Herriot, who cures Tricki not through medicine, but through strict diet, exercise, and a natural environment. For Gujarat Board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing comprehension through character sketches, short questions, and value-based long questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Overindulgence and Its Consequences
Mrs. Pumphrey's excessive love and overfeeding lead to Tricki becoming dangerously fat and lethargic, showing how pampering pets can ruin their health.
Practical Healing Approach
Mr. Herriot treats Tricki without any medical surgery or drugs, relying instead on controlled diet, plenty of water, and physical exercise with other dogs.
Transformation of Tricki
Tricki changes from a weak, listless, bloated object into a hard-muscled, agile, and energetic dog within a fortnight at the surgery.
Mrs. Pumphrey's Anxiety
Her constant worry and frantic phone calls highlight her deep emotional attachment and humorous lack of understanding about proper animal care.
The 'Triumph of Surgery'
The title is ironic, referring not to a complex medical operation, but to the successful recovery of the dog through sensible, natural management.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Gujarat (GSEB) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 4 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions (2 marks) about Tricki's condition or treatment, and occasionally long answer questions focusing on character sketches of Mrs. Pumphrey or Mr. Herriot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the story titled 'A Triumph of Surgery' when no surgery was performed?
It is an ironic title. The 'surgery' refers to the controlled environment and routine at the hospital that cured Tricki, making it a triumph of common-sense veterinary care over medical excess.
How did Mr. Herriot cure Tricki?
Mr. Herriot cured Tricki by cutting off his food intake, giving him only water for the first few days, and allowing him to play freely with other dogs for natural physical exercise.
Why was Mrs. Pumphrey tempted to send extra food and wine for Tricki?
She was extremely wealthy and pampered Tricki like a spoiled child, believing he needed rich food like eggs, brandy, and wine to recover his strength.
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