Class 10 English - GUJARAT
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary: A Question of Trust by Victor Canning tells the story of Horace Danby, a meticulous thief who robs only once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare and expensive books. The chapter revolves around a fateful burglary at Shotover Grange, where Horace is outwitted by a clever young woman posing as the homeowner. For GSEB Class 10 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and the ability to answer textual and value-based questions. Students must pay attention to the irony at the end and the central theme that there is no honor among thieves.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally respectable, but he secretly commits one major robbery every year to buy books.
Hay Fever Allergy
Horace suffers from severe hay fever, which causes him to sneeze when confronted with the scent of flowers, a weakness that ultimately leads to his arrest.
The Clever Young Woman
A charming young woman in a red dress pretends to be the owner of Shotover Grange, calmly tricking Horace into opening the safe for her.
Irony of the Plot
The story's climax is deeply ironic: Horace, a professional thief, is completely deceived and robbed by another, more cunning thief who pretended to be the victim.
Theme of Trust and Deception
The title questions who can be trusted, showing that appearances can be deceptive and criminals cannot rely on professional courtesy.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Gujarat (GSEB) Class 10 English board exam, supplementary chapters like A Question of Trust typically contribute around 3 to 5 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions testing plot details, character sketches of Horace Danby or the lady in red, and value-based questions on honesty and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby steal only once a year?
Horace steals just enough money each year to quietly buy the rare and expensive books he loves to collect.
How did the young woman trick Horace Danby?
She acted very confident, threatened to call the police, and convinced Horace to open the safe for her by pretending she had forgotten the numbers.
What caused Horace Danby's arrest in the end?
Horace left his bare fingerprints all over the safe because he had taken off his gloves to relieve his hay fever by smoking a cigarette the lady offered him.
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