Class 10 English - ODISHA
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary chapter 'A Question of Trust' by Victor Canning tells the story of Horace Danby, a meticulous 50-year-old locksmith who robs a safe once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare and costly books. The plot takes an ironic turn when Horace breaks into Shotover Grange, planning his biggest heist yet, only to be outsmarted by a clever young woman posing as the homeowner's wife. She tricks him into opening the safe without wearing gloves, leaving his fingerprints everywhere. This chapter highlights the theme that 'honor among thieves' is a myth, and it is crucial for BSE Odisha board exams for testing reading comprehension and character analysis.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is a respectable 50-year-old unmarried locksmith who is generally considered honest, except for his annual burglary to buy rare books.
The Allergy Twist
Horace suffers from hay fever and gets severe attacks from flowers, which ironically leaves a trail of evidence at the crime scene.
The Clever Trickster
A young woman dressed in red convincingly acts as the mistress of the house, successfully manipulating Horace into opening the safe for her.
Irony of the Title
The title 'A Question of Trust' is deeply ironic because Horace trusts the young woman assuming she is the homeowner, but she turns out to be another professional thief who betrays him.
The Climax and Arrest
Because Horace opened the safe without his gloves to please the woman, his fingerprints are found everywhere, leading to his eventual arrest.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the BSE Odisha Class 10 English board examination, supplementary chapters generally carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer questions testing character traits (like Horace Danby), and long descriptive questions based on the twist in the plot and the theme of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby commit robbery every year?
Horace does not steal for greed or luxury; he robs a safe once a year specifically to buy rare, expensive books that he loves to collect.
Who was the young woman in red?
The young woman was not the owner of Shotover Grange, but rather another clever thief who cleverly used Horace to open the safe for her.
How was Horace Danby finally caught by the police?
Horace took off his gloves to relieve an itch caused by his hay fever and to light a cigarette for the woman, leaving his fingerprints all over the safe.
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