Class 10 English - RAJASTHAN
Supplementary: A Triumph of Surgery
A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot is an engaging story from the Class 10 RBSE English Supplementary Reader (Footprints Without Feet). It revolves around a pampered little dog named Tricki and his wealthy, overly-indulgent mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. Due to continuous overfeeding, Tricki falls seriously ill, prompting the wise veterinary surgeon, Mr. Herriot, to take him to his surgery. Without using any medicines or surgery, Herriot restores the dog to health through a strict diet and active play. The chapter emphasizes the dangers of overpampering and teaches valuable lessons about animal care and self-discipline, making it a favorite for board exam questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Excessive Pampering
Mrs. Pumphrey's blind love and constant feeding of rich foods like cream cakes, malt, and cod-liver oil ruin Tricki's health, showing how overindulgence can harm loved ones.
Role of a Wise Vet
Mr. Herriot displays great tact and practical wisdom by treating Tricki without medication, relying solely on controlled diet, water, and exercise.
Transformation of Tricki
Tricki transforms from a lethargic, bloated lump of flesh into a flexible, muscular, and energetic dog due to natural surroundings and companionship with other dogs at the surgery.
Gratitude vs. Misunderstanding
Mrs. Pumphrey mistakes Tricki's natural recovery for a 'triumph of surgery' because she believes a medical miracle took place, highlighting her lack of understanding about basic pet care.
Selflessness of Mr. Herriot
Though tempted to keep Tricki permanently to enjoy the eggs, wine, and brandy sent by Mrs. Pumphrey for the dog's health, Herriot acts professionally and returns him.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Rajasthan Board (RBSE) Class 10 English exams, the supplementary reader 'Footprints Without Feet' carries significant weight. Chapters like 'A Triumph of Surgery' frequently feature in short-answer questions (3-4 marks) testing character traits of Mrs. Pumphrey or Mr. Herriot, as well as extract-based questions or long-answer essay questions focusing on the theme of overpampering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Mrs. Pumphrey was worried because Tricki had become terribly fat, refused to eat his favorite food, had bouts of vomiting, and spent all his time lying on a rug, panting.
What was the real 'cure' for Tricki?
The real cure was not any surgery or medicine, but controlled diet, plenty of water, and active physical play with other dogs at the surgery.
Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call the recovery 'a triumph of surgery'?
She called it a triumph of surgery because Tricki recovered his health so brilliantly within a fortnight that she believed a surgical miracle had been performed by Mr. Herriot.
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