Class 10 English - KERALA
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary: A Question of Trust by Victor Canning tells the story of Horace Danby, a meticulous locksmith who commits a robbery once a year to buy rare and expensive books. This chapter is important for Kerala State Board (SCERT) Class 10 English examinations as it tests narrative comprehension, character analysis, and the ability to infer motives and irony. Students learn how appearances can be deceptive through the clever plot twist involving a charming young woman pretending to be the lady of the house, outwitting even a professional thief.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally respected, but he has a secret passion for collecting rare and expensive books, which drives him to steal once a year.
The Motif of 'Honor Among Thieves'
The chapter explores the ironic criminal philosophy that thieves should respect and not steal from one another, which Horace foolishly believes when dealing with the young woman.
The Clever Deception
A young, attractive woman dressed in red enters the house, convincing Horace she is the owner's wife and tricking him into opening the safe without gloves, leaving his fingerprints everywhere.
The Irony of the Ending
Horace is eventually arrested because his fingerprints were found all over the room, leading to the ultimate irony that a man who prided himself on planning perfect crimes was easily outsmarted by another thief.
Themes of Trust and Crime
The title highlights the theme of misplaced trust; Horace trusted the young woman's words completely, which ultimately led to his downfall in prison.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 10 English board examination, supplementary reader chapters like 'A Question of Trust' typically carry around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions based on the plot, character sketches of Horace Danby or the lady in red, and paragraph-based questions exploring the moral or the ironical ending of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby steal every year?
Horace steals only once a year to fund his expensive hobby of buying rare and costly books, as he cannot afford them on his honest earnings.
How did the young woman in red trick Horace?
She pretended to be the mistress of the house, spoke with confidence, and threatened to call the police unless he opened the safe for her, making him remove his gloves in a panic.
Why was Horace Danby eventually arrested?
Horace was arrested because he had opened the safe without wearing his gloves, leaving his clear fingerprints all over the room, which the police easily traced.
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