Summary
The Hack driver is an amusing tale written by American novelist Sinclair Lewis. The author, in this story, talks about a young lawyer who was working as an assistant clerk with a famous firm in the city after completing his graduation. He wasn’t fond of the job of serving summons because sometimes he had to face harsh situations due to it. One day, he had to give the summons to Oliver Lutkins, a key witness in some cases who lived in a small village New Mullion. The lawyer was happy to go to the village but the village looked very dull and lifeless. A hack driver was seen by the narrator on a cheerful platform. On enquiring about Lutkins he came to know that he was a shrewd man and had taken loans from many people. The hack driver cunningly extracted from the lawyer that he has come here to offer a court summon to Lutkin.
The lawyer decided to rent Bill’s hack and search for Lutkins. The lawyer was manipulated by Bill who made him visit different places in search of Lutkins. He always went ahead and inquired about Lutkins. They had been to Fritz’s shop to catch Lutkins where he plays poker and wherein they were told that he has gone to Gustaff barber for shaving. At Gustaff’s place also they could not meet him and were told by somebody that he was seen in the pool room. He was not found there and told that he left the poolroom after buying cigarettes. Bill asked the lawyer to buy food from his wife as it would be cheaper than a restaurant in the afternoon. After which they had their lunch at a beautiful place called Wade’s hill.
By now the lawyer was fully convinced that Bill is a generous and helpful person. His friendly behavior made him fond of the village and its people. He started comparing the city people and villagers. The hack driver suggested to the lawyer that they should look for Lutkin’s at his mother’s place. Then, later on, they went to Lutkin’s mother’s house and found out she was a horrible lady and was threatening to burn them with a hot iron rod. They both escaped to save themselves. At last, the lawyer had to leave without serving to summon Lutkins. The next day, the lawyer was badly scolded by his Chief and was sent to New Mullion again with a colleague who knew Lutkins. As they needed Lutkin’s as an important witness in their case. On reaching the station Bill was happily acknowledged by the lawyer as he helped him in searching Lutkins. At this point, the lawyer was told by his colleague that the hack driver was none other than Oliver Lutkins which made him feel ashamed of himself.
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Chapter 8 - The Hack Driver in NCERT Book of English.
The book's name is Footprints without feet.
It's a Supplementary Reader for Class 10
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Chapter Names
Chapter 1: A Triumph of Surgery
Chapter 2: The Thief’s Story
Chapter 3: The Midnight Visitor
Chapter 4: A Question of Trust
Chapter 5: Footprints without Feet
Chapter 6: The Making of a Scientist
Chapter 7: The Necklace
Chapter 8: The Hack Driver
Chapter 9: Bholi
Chapter 10: The Book That Saved the Earth.
The Hack Driver
Hack Driver indicates a cab driver. In the story, a lawyer is sent to New Mullions to serve a summons to a witness named Lutkins.
Need for Supplementary Readers for Students
The Supplementary reader helps students to know varieties of text and vocabulary which enhances their reading and critical skills. Thus, studying this book and solving its exercises can help you to be more confident regarding the English language. NCERT provides great solutions to the students chapter-wise in detail. Hence these books have many benefits.
Benefits of Main Course Books and Supplementary Books for Students
The English books are designed in a very systematic manner covering every detail of basics regarding vocabulary, passages, prose, poetry, and grammar. The main course book contains various versions of information regarding fields of art and literature. Grammar Books are prepared by taking a lot of factors into consideration like their application and uses of grammar by keeping exams into consideration. Almost every topic of grammar is covered in the books.
Conclusion
The story teaches us to be alert and aware of the people around us and not fall into a trap by trusting any stranger easily.
FAQs on The Hack Driver Summary: A Short Story with Lessons in Humor and Morality
1. What does the term 'hack driver' mean in the context of the story?
In the story "The Hack Driver," a 'hack' refers to a horse-drawn carriage or an old-fashioned taxi available for hire. A hack driver is the person who operates this carriage, taking passengers to their destinations for a fee. In this story, the hack driver is a central character who guides the narrator around the town of New Mullion.
2. Who was the real hack driver in the story, and what was his true identity?
The man who introduces himself as Bill Magnuson, the friendly hack driver, is actually Oliver Lutkins himself. He is the very person the narrator, a young lawyer, was sent from the city to find and serve a summons to. Lutkins cleverly deceives the lawyer by pretending to help him in the search.
3. Why was the young lawyer sent to the town of New Mullion?
The young lawyer was sent to the country town of New Mullion by his law firm to serve a legal summons on Oliver Lutkins. Lutkins was required as a key witness in a law case but had consistently ignored all official requests to appear in court. The lawyer's job was to find him and ensure he received the summons in person.
4. How did Oliver Lutkins, disguised as 'Bill', describe Lutkins to the lawyer?
Posing as Bill the hack driver, Oliver Lutkins described his own character as a cunning and dishonest man who was difficult to catch. He told the lawyer that Lutkins:
- Was skilled at deceiving people.
- Owed money to many individuals in town.
- Was likely to be found at a friend's place or engaged in a game of poker.
5. What is the main theme of the story 'The Hack Driver'?
The primary theme of "The Hack Driver" is the contrast between appearance and reality. The story demonstrates that people and situations are often not what they seem. The narrator initially idealises the simple, honest country life but is ultimately outsmarted by the villagers' collective cleverness, highlighting themes of gullibility and perception.
6. What role does irony and humour play in "The Hack Driver"?
Irony and humour are central to the story's charm and message. The main source of irony is dramatic irony, where the reader understands that the lawyer is being led around by the very man he is searching for. This situation creates constant humour, stemming from the lawyer's naivety and Lutkins' audacious deception. The final reveal, when the lawyer's colleague points out the real Lutkins, is the story's ultimate ironic and humorous climax.
7. How does the narrator's perception of country life change by the end of the story?
Initially, the narrator is charmed by New Mullion and its residents, particularly Bill. He views the town as a peaceful and honest alternative to the deceitful city. However, his perception is completely shattered by the end when he realises the entire town, led by Lutkins, had been part of the joke. He learns that the "simple" country folk were far more cunning than he assumed, leaving him feeling foolish and humiliated.
8. What is the moral lesson taught in "The Hack Driver"?
The moral of "The Hack Driver" is that one should not form judgments based on stereotypes or first impressions. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gullibility and the importance of being discerning. It teaches that intelligence and cunning can be found in unexpected places, and one should not underestimate others based on their appearance or location.
