Class 10 English - UP
Supplementary: A Question of Trust
Supplementary: A Question of Trust from the Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook, prescribed by the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) board, tells the gripping story of Horace Danby, a meticulous thief who loves rare, expensive books. Horace plans a major robbery to fund his hobby but gets outsmarted by a clever young woman posing as the homeowner. This chapter teaches students that crime does not pay and highlights the irony of a thief falling victim to another, more professional criminal. For UPMSP board exams, understanding the twist in the plot and Horace's character traits is essential for scoring well.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Horace Danby's Character
Horace is fifty years old, unmarried, and generally considered a respectable, honest citizen, though he secretly robs a safe once a year to buy expensive books.
The Role of Hay Fever
Horace suffers from hay fever and gets troubled by the scent of flowers in the drawing-room, which eventually leads to his arrest as he leaves his uncovered fingerprints everywhere.
The Clever Lady in Red
A young, attractive woman dressed in red pretends to be the mistress of the house, successfully tricking Horace into opening the safe for her.
Irony of the Plot
The central theme is 'honor among thieves,' showing how Horace, an experienced thief, is easily cheated by an even smarter con artist.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) Class 10 English board examination, questions from 'A Question of Trust' typically carry 3 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions testing character motivations and long answer questions focusing on the central theme, the twist in the plot, and the irony of Horace's situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Horace Danby rob only once a year?
Horace robs only once a year because he needs enough money to buy rare and expensive books, and this limited amount is enough to last him for twelve months.
How did the lady in red trick Horace?
The lady acted very confident, calmly threatened to call the police, and convinced Horace that she had forgotten the numbers to her safe, making him open it without gloves.
Why was Horace eventually arrested?
Horace was arrested because he opened the safe without wearing gloves due to his panic and the lady's persuasion, leaving his fingerprints all over the room.
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