Class 10 English - TELANGANA
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary: A Question of Trust by Victor Canning tells the gripping story of Horace Danby, a meticulous 50-year-old lock picker who robs a safe once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare books. His life takes a sharp turn when he encounters a clever young woman posing as the homeowner during a heist at Shotover Grange. Outsmarted by her, Horace agrees to crack a safe for her, trusting her completely, only to be arrested days later because his fingerprints were all over the room. For Telangana (TSBSE) Class 10 board exams, this chapter tests your comprehension of irony, character traits, and the central theme that there is no honor among thieves.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Irony of Trust
The title is deeply ironic because Horace Danby prides himself on being an honest man among thieves, yet he places his trust in a fellow criminal who ruthlessly betrays him.
Characterization of Horace Danby
Horace is respectable, fifty years old, unmarried, and suffers from hay fever. Despite being a thief, he is meticulous and plans his robberies carefully.
The Clever Intruder
A young woman dressed in red who acts with absolute confidence, pretending to be the mistress of the house to easily manipulate Horace into doing her dirty work.
Theme of Crime and Punishment
The story highlights that crime does not pay and highlights the unpredictability of human nature when criminals cross paths.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Telangana (TSBSE) Class 10 English Board Examinations, questions from supplementary chapters like 'A Question of Trust' typically carry around 4 to 8 marks. Expect questions focusing on character sketches (especially Horace Danby), comprehension passages, and paragraph-type questions analyzing the twist in the plot or the appropriateness of the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby rob only once a year?
Horace robs only once a year so that he can quietly buy the expensive, rare books he loves to collect without raising suspicion.
How did the lady in red trick Horace?
She pretended to be the owner's wife, acting completely calm and threatening to call the police, which forced Horace to open the safe for her to save himself.
Why was Horace arrested in the end?
Horace was arrested because he had taken off his gloves to open the safe, leaving his bare fingerprints all over the room, which the police easily matched.
Learn Supplementary: A Question of Trust with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards