CBSE Important Questions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet A Triumph of Surgery - 2025-26

1. Who is Tricki?
Ans: Tricki is a small, pampered dog owned by Mrs. Pumphrey.

2. What problem does Tricki face in the story?
Ans: Tricki becomes overweight and ill due to overfeeding and lack of exercise.

3. How does Mr. Herriot help Tricki recover?
Ans: Mr. Herriot gives Tricki a simple routine of no extra food and plenty of exercise with other dogs.

4. What does Mrs. Pumphrey think caused Tricki’s recovery?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey believes that the treatment at Mr. Herriot’s surgery was a “triumph of surgery.”

5. Why was Mr. Herriot tempted to keep Tricki at his surgery?
Ans: Mr. Herriot was tempted to keep Tricki because Mrs. Pumphrey sent lavish food and drinks for him, which Mr. Herriot and his staff enjoyed.

6. Describe Tricki’s condition when Mr. Herriot first sees him.
Ans: When Mr. Herriot first sees Tricki, he is extremely overweight, like a "bloated sausage," with bloodshot eyes and a drooping tongue. Tricki is weak and listless, showing signs of poor health from being overfed and pampered.

7. What does Mrs. Pumphrey do to try to make Tricki healthy?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey mistakenly tries to improve Tricki’s health by feeding him extra treats, like cream cakes, chocolates, and other rich foods. She even gives him special drinks to "strengthen" him, unaware that her pampering is harming him.

8. How does Tricki’s health improve under Mr. Herriot’s care?
Ans: Under Mr. Herriot’s care, Tricki follows a simple routine of water, no extra food, and exercise with other dogs. Without being overfed, Tricki begins to regain energy, loses weight, and becomes more active, joining in with other dogs and recovering quickly.

9. How does Mrs. Pumphrey react when Mr. Herriot suggests taking Tricki to his surgery?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey is shocked and anxious, worried that Tricki will miss her and may suffer without her care. However, she reluctantly agrees, trusting Mr. Herriot’s advice, and sends many of Tricki’s belongings along with him.

10. Why does Mrs. Pumphrey call Tricki’s recovery a “triumph of surgery”?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey calls it a "triumph of surgery" because she believes Mr. Herriot used some special medical treatment. In reality, it was Tricki’s new lifestyle of exercise and proper diet that helped him recover.

11. Describe Mrs. Pumphrey’s relationship with Tricki and how it affects Tricki’s health.
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey is deeply attached to Tricki, treating him almost like a child. She showers him with luxurious food, treats, and special care, believing it shows her love. However, her pampering harms Tricki’s health, as he becomes obese, lethargic, and unhealthy from the rich diet and lack of exercise. Her indulgence leads to Tricki’s severe health issues, but she is too emotionally attached to see that her actions are causing him harm. This relationship highlights how over-caring can sometimes lead to negative consequences.

12. How does Mr. Herriot use his understanding of animals to help Tricki recover?
Ans: Mr. Herriot, as a veterinarian, understands that Tricki’s condition is due to an unhealthy lifestyle rather than a medical illness. Instead of treating Tricki with medicines or surgery, he removes all the luxuries and follows a strict routine of exercise and simple feeding. This approach allows Tricki to regain strength naturally by playing with other dogs and being active, showing Mr. Herriot’s practical and sensible understanding of animal health.

13. How does Mrs. Pumphrey’s character add humour to the story?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey’s character adds humour with her exaggerated concern for Tricki and her belief that rich foods will keep him healthy. She treats Tricki like a delicate, spoiled child, sending items like beds, cushions, and food to the surgery. Her over-the-top reactions, especially at the sight of Tricki’s recovery, make her a humorous character and highlight the absurdity of over-pampering pets.

14. What effect does Tricki’s recovery have on Mrs. Pumphrey and Mr. Herriot?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey is thrilled by Tricki’s recovery, calling it a "triumph of surgery" and praising Mr. Herriot. Mr. Herriot feels satisfied that Tricki has regained his health, though he humorously enjoys the extra luxuries Mrs. Pumphrey sends, like eggs and wine. Tricki’s recovery leaves Mrs. Pumphrey thankful and Mr. Herriot amused by her misunderstanding of his simple methods.

15. Explain the lesson that A Triumph of Surgery might teach about pet care.
Ans: The story teaches that genuine care for pets means understanding their needs rather than over-indulging them. Mrs. Pumphrey’s excessive pampering harms Tricki’s health, while Mr. Herriot’s balanced care routine helps him recover. This shows that treating pets responsibly with the right diet and exercise is more beneficial than spoiling them.

16. How does Mr. Herriot’s approach to Tricki’s treatment show his common sense?
Ans: Mr. Herriot uses common sense by recognising that Tricki’s issues stem from his lifestyle rather than illness. Instead of medical treatments, he focuses on exercise and a simple diet, showing his practical approach to health.

17. How does the story highlight the importance of exercise for health?
Ans: Tricki’s recovery comes from joining other dogs and playing outside, which keeps him active and helps him lose weight. The story shows that physical activity is essential for maintaining good health.

18. Why might Mrs. Pumphrey not understand that she is causing harm to Tricki?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey’s love for Tricki blinds her to the negative effects of overfeeding and spoiling him. She believes her actions are expressions of care, not realising they are harming his health.

19. In what way does A Triumph of Surgery encourage moderation in taking care of pets?
Ans: The story suggests that moderation is key, as Tricki thrives with a simple diet and regular exercise. Over-indulgence, as Mrs. Pumphrey shows, can have harmful consequences, whereas balanced care benefits Tricki’s health.

20. What lesson might Mrs. Pumphrey learn from Tricki’s time at the surgery?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey might learn that spoiling Tricki with rich foods and lack of exercise isn’t good for him. She could see that balanced care and routine are better for his health.

21. How does Mr. Herriot know that Tricki’s illness isn’t serious?
Ans: Mr. Herriot notices that Tricki’s problems are due to overeating and lack of activity, not an actual illness. He decides on a simple recovery plan without any medical treatment.

22. Why does Mrs. Pumphrey send so many items to the surgery with Tricki?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey is worried about Tricki’s comfort and thinks he needs all his favourite things, like beds, toys, and food, to feel at home, showing her over-caring nature.

23. What changes does Mr. Herriot observe in Tricki’s behaviour at the surgery?
Ans: At first, Tricki is weak and uninterested, but after a few days, he becomes active and plays with other dogs, enjoying the simple life and improving quickly.

24. Why does Mrs. Pumphrey call Tricki’s recovery a “triumph of surgery”?
Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey believes Tricki recovered through medical treatment, not realising that the change in lifestyle and diet actually restored his health.

25. How does Mr. Herriot show both kindness and humour in the story?
Ans: Mr. Herriot is kind in helping Tricki recover without upsetting Mrs. Pumphrey, and he humorously accepts her gifts, like eggs and wine, while knowing that Tricki’s recovery is due to simple care.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 10 English (Footprints Without Feet) Chapter 1

• The FREE PDF covers important questions about Tricki’s transformation, highlighting themes of responsibility, balanced care, and discipline in pet ownership, giving students a clear understanding of the story’s lessons.

• This PDF explains the dynamics between Mr. Herriot and Mrs. Pumphrey, helping students connect the story’s message about moderation with real-life applications in pet care and health.

• Students can understand the role of Mr. Herriot’s practical approach, which provides insight into the importance of simple, balanced care for good health.

• Vedantu’s experts ensure all questions align with CBSE standards, focusing on essential details that help students prepare confidently for exams.

• The PDF’s accessible format allows students to study anytime, providing flexibility and convenience without any additional cost.

• Regular practice with these questions improves students’ answer-writing skills and confidence, equipping them to tackle similar questions in exams effectively.

• The questions emphasise the humorous and insightful elements of the story, such as Mrs. Pumphrey’s actions and Mr. Herriot’s approach, giving a deeper appreciation of the story’s message on responsible care.

Conclusion:

The story 'A Triumph of Surgery' shows how proper care and discipline can positively impact health, as seen in Tricki's transformation from a lazy, overfed dog to an energetic and fit companion. James Herriot’s humorous and insightful writing reveals the deep connection between pets and their owners, while reminding readers of the balance needed in caring for animals. Download Vedantu’s FREE PDF of Class 10 English Important Questions for this chapter,  created by experienced teachers to help you explore the story’s themes anytime, anywhere you like, which are constantly checked and updated to match the current syllabus.

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