Class 10 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: A Triumph of Surgery
A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot is an engaging short story prescribed for Class 10 WBBSE students under the supplementary reader. It revolves around Tricki, a small, pampered dog suffering from overfeeding, and his sensible veterinarian, Mr. Herriot. The chapter teaches an essential life lesson about the dangers of excessive indulgence and the importance of a balanced lifestyle and discipline. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests reading comprehension, character analysis, and the ability to infer moral values. Students frequently encounter short-answer questions and extract-based MCQs from this lesson.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Excessive Pampering
Tricki's owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, showers him with too much rich food and treats out of misguided love, which severely ruins his health.
The Veterinarian's Wisdom
Mr. Herriot understands that Tricki's illness is not due to any physical disease but simple overeating, and prescribes a strict diet and exercise instead of medicine.
Transformation through Nature
At the surgery, Tricki is kept on a water-only diet and allowed to play freely with other dogs, leading to a miraculous and rapid recovery.
The Clever Mistress
Mrs. Pumphrey remains blissfully unaware of the actual treatment, mistakenly believing Tricki's recovery is 'a triumph of surgery' when it is actually a triumph of simple living.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal (WBBSE) Class 10 English board examination, the supplementary reader carries around 10 to 15 marks. 'A Triumph of Surgery' regularly features in multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer type questions (2-3 marks), and occasionally analytical or descriptive questions (5 marks).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mr. Herriot tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Mr. Herriot was tempted because Mrs. Pumphrey sent two dozen fresh eggs, wine, and brandy every day to improve Tricki's strength, which the doctor and his staff thoroughly enjoyed.
What is the real cure for Tricki's illness?
The real cure was no medicine at all, but strict control over his diet, plenty of fresh air, and rigorous physical exercise with other dogs.
Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call it 'a triumph of surgery'?
She called it a triumph of surgery because Tricki transformed from a lethargic, bloated dog into a lithe, energetic animal in just a fortnight, and she mistakenly believed a surgical operation achieved this miracle.
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