Class 10 English - RAJASTHAN
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary chapter 'A Question of Trust' from the RBSE Class 10 English syllabus tells the intriguing story of Horace Danby, a meticulous and respectable man who steals only once a year to finance his expensive hobby of collecting rare and expensive books. The narrative takes a thrilling turn when Horace breaks into a safe-house, only to be outsmarted by a clever young woman posing as the homeowner, who tricks him into opening the safe for her. This chapter emphasizes the ironical theme that 'honor among thieves' is a myth and teaches students about deceit, cleverness, and the consequences of crime.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally considered a respectable citizen who suffers from hay fever, yet he is secretly a professional thief who robs a safe every year.
The Hobby of Book Collecting
Horace's primary motivation for stealing is not greed, but his passion for acquiring rare, expensive books, which he buys through agents.
The Clever Young Lady
A charming woman dressed in red appears at the house, convincingly posing as the homeowner's wife, and cunningly manipulates Horace into opening the safe without wearing his gloves.
The Twist in the Plot
Horace is eventually arrested because his fingerprints are found all over the room, having been tricked by a fellow thief who outwitted him.
Irony of Trust
The title 'A Question of Trust' is deeply ironic as Horace places his trust in the young woman, believing she is the rightful owner, only to be betrayed by her.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Rajasthan (RBSE) Class 10 English Board Exam, supplementary reader chapters like 'A Question of Trust' typically carry around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on character traits and plot events, as well as essay-type questions exploring the theme of trust and irony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Horace Danby steal only once a year?
Horace stole only once a year to get enough money to buy his rare and expensive books, and this small amount lasted for twelve months.
How did the young lady trick Horace Danby?
She pretended to be the mistress of the house, spoke with great confidence, and threatened to call the police unless he opened the safe for her, causing Horace to remove his gloves in panic.
What was Horace Danby's special vulnerability?
Horace suffered from severe hay fever, and the smell of flowers in the room made him sneeze repeatedly, which left his clues behind.
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