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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 1 A Triumph of Surgery

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Chapter 1 A Triumph of Surgery Class 10 English Question Answers FREE PDF Download

A Triumph of Surgery Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 1 tells the story of the dog Tricki and his mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. He was constantly being fed heavy meals and junk treats and went on to grow fat and unhealthy. What follows next is the tale of the story, ‘A Triumph of Surgery’. Vedantu offers comprehensive NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Supplementary Question Answers for students to study from. These solutions are constantly updated to comply with the latest CBSE Class 10 English syllabus, which is 100% accurate, to provide students with a head-start on their study process and help them crack their examinations.

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Glance on NCERT Solutions for A Triumph of Surgery Class 10

  • The story ‘ A Triumph of Surgery Class 10’ revolves around the dog Tricki. Tricki is constantly fed junk food and treats such as cod liver oil, treats, and more by her mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey.

  • Due to being food all the time, Tricki grows fatter and fatter until he becomes a lazy slob. He stops playing around, does not go on walks, and hardly even stands up.

  • Worried by this, Mrs. Pumphrey takes Tricki to the veterinary doctor. The doctor, Mr. James Herriot, is shocked to see the state of Tricki.

  • He gets Tricki admitted, starts feeding her a balanced diet, and rids her of all the junk food that he has been eating.

  • Soon, Tricki starts to get better. He starts playing and sometimes even fighting with the other dogs in the hospital. Mrs. Pumhrey, who is still worried, send supplements like eggs and wine for Tricki, but these are taken and consumed by Herriot and his friends.

  • Tricki eventually grows into a healthy dog, and one day, when Mrs. Pumphrey comes back to receive him, he jumps on her with joy and celebrates her presence.

  • The story sheds light on the importance of good and responsible eating habits and how we must eat for need and not pleasure. Vedantu provides comprehensive NCERT Solutions.

Access NCERT Solutions For Class 10 English Chapter 1 - A Triumph of Surgery

Read and Find Out

1. Why is Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki?

Ans: Tricki became fat, like a bloated sausage. Since he had no energy, Mrs. Pumphrey thought he suffered from malnutrition and over-fed him. He couldn't refuse food and that led to his present overweight state. He spent most of his time resting in his expensive tweed coats and did no exercise.


2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?

Ans: She finally asked for professional help for Tricki’s condition. She tried her best to improve his condition, but it was all in vain. She had to let Tricki go to the hospital for the sake of him being treated properly and healthy again.


3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?

Ans: ‘I’ in the story refers to Mr. Herriot who was a veterinary surgeon. He treated Tricki and helped him regain his health.


4. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?

Ans: Tricki’s mistress was extremely rich and well off. She would dress Tricki in tweed coats and feed him malt, cod-liver oil, and a bowl of Horlicks. Often, she would feed him with ice creams and chocolates. He had a daybed, night bed, and a separate supper bowl. It is not clearly stated about the difference in wealth but throughout the story, Mrs. Pumphrey appears to have greater wealth. At the hospital, he was provided with a loose box as a bed. When Mrs. Pumphrey came to see off Tricki at the doctor, she had a whole army of staff at her disposal to transfer his belongings to the car. While he was at the hospital, she used to send edibles that he loved. When the doctor informed her about his recovery she sent over two dozen eggs, along with wine and brandy. All these references tell us that she was a lady of wealth.


5. How does he treat the dog?

Ans: Tricki was overfed good food items by his owner out of love. But instead of improving his health, it made him overweight, sick, and lazy. They initially started by feeding him just water for two days, it helped Tricki imbibe a little strength and interest in his surroundings. He started to gain back his energy and showed interest in playing with other dogs at the surgery. They started providing him proper food on the fourth day when they noticed him licking bowls of other dogs. Following days his progress was rapid and he recovered quickly after that day.


6. Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?

Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey went overboard with Tricki’s care. Her love for her dog did result in spoiling his health eventually. When he was at the hospital, Mrs. Pumphrey sent over eggs, wine, and brandy to build up his strength. These items though were fed to him but enjoyed by the narrator and his partners. The days provide them deep content as they day with eggs and then continue it with wine followed by brandy. This made the narrator really tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest as she would send these items to them forever.


7. Why does Mrs. Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?

Ans: Tricki was sick for an exceptionally long time and all of Mrs. Pumphrey’s efforts were going in vain. She was scared that he might not be able to recover and hence asked assistance from medical experts. Within two weeks after she sent Tricki to the surgery he recovered. He was healthy again and gained muscles too instead of his lumpy body. When they met for the first time after his recovery, he jumped into her lap and licked her face lovingly. She was so happy with the results and thought that her dog’s recovery was a “triumph of surgery.”


Think About It

1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say he is tactful as well as full of common sense?

Ans: The narrator was a very tactful person. He knew Mrs. Pumphrey was rich and hence would be ready to pay and do anything for her beloved dog. He immediately understood that Tricki didn't require any medical care. He was just overfed by his mistress, which led him to be lazy and gain a lot of weight. He took the dog to the surgery and with simple and basic care techniques cured him within two weeks. He also surfeited upon the stuff that Mrs. Pumphrey sent for the dog, which was quite unethical as a professional.

 

2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?

Ans: Tricki was successfully treated and well taken care of by the surgery staff. Mrs. Pumphrey was happy with the results too when she met her dog in a healthy state after he returned. He was happy to go back home, and he jumped on Mrs. Pumphrey and licked her face. But I believe his state will not last long since he has returned home, and Mrs. Pumphrey will feed him lots of food again. Lack of exercise will lead to him gaining lots of weight again. Mrs. Pumphrey's excessive love and care might end him back into surgery again in no time.


3. Do you think this is a real-life episode or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?

Ans: The story is a subtle mix of both reality and fiction. We can come across women like Mrs. Pumphrey in our lives who love to spend lavishly on their pets. She loved pampering her dog and, in that spirit, ended up overfeeding him. This caused him serious health issues and he started to look like a bloated sausage. She cared excessively for him and the section about her sending wine and brandy for the dog can be considered fiction.


Talk About It

1. This episode describes the silly behavior of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?

Ans: Mrs. Pumphrey was a rich lady who was highly indulgent. She spent more than required on her dog and fed him with brandy, wine, and chocolates, edibles considered harmful to the dog's health. Her love for her dog was genuine but it ended him being overweight and sick. She was not aware of the repercussions her actions were born just to satisfy her indulgent heart. Her actions caused a lot of bodily harm to the dog.


2. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs. Pumphrey?

Ans: Yes, there are a few parents like Mrs. Pumphrey out there. She overindulged her pet dog. She got him a whole rack of tweed coats, separate bowls, and fed him cod-liver oil and chocolates. Her overindulgence was not good for the dog, and he ended up gaining more than the required healthy weight which restricted his movement and he ended up requiring medical help.


3. What would you have done if you were:

(i) a member of the staff in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household

Ans: It would be disturbing, as a member of the staff in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household, to see the dog suffer so much because of her indulgences. I would have tried to stop her and explain to her my motives and how it was declining the dog’s health.


(ii) a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?

Ans: As a neighbour I wouldn’t find it right to barge into her personal matters. but it would have surely hurt to see the little creature suffer because of her stupid actions and recklessness. 


4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?

Ans: I believe I would have done the same as what the narrator did. It was high time, seeing Tricki’s deteriorating health, that Mrs. Pumphrey either changed her ways or consulted a medical expert. He grew like a bloated sausage and wasn't able to eat anything. Even though it was rude, I believe the narrator did the right job.


Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 1 Question Answers

  • The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 1 Question Answers are provided by top professionals and subject matter experts at Vedantu. This ensures the accuracy and relevance of the solutions provided.

  • Footprints without Feet Question Answer Chapter 1 is updated for the latest 2024-25 syllabus. The answers are in compliance with the CBSE guidelines and NCERT Standards for answering in the examinations.

  • NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Ch 1 Question Answer Footprints Without Feet are provided in PDF format and are available to download for absolutely FREE. This means students can study anywhere, anytime on the go.

  • Class 10 English Supplementary Chapter 1 Question Answers are written in simple and easy-to-understand language. This helps students effectively grasp and retain the answers given.


Conclusion

Class 10 English Ch 1 A Triumph of Surgery highlights the story of Tricki, a dog, and his mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey, who keeps feeding him junk food. Tricki grows fat and lazy because of his improper eating habits. Mrs Pumphrey finally takes him to the vet, where he gets admitted and eventually grows healthy. The story highlights the importance of healthy eating and teaches us to eat not for pleasure but for need. Vedantu offers comprehensive solutions for Class 10 English Ch 1, A Triumph of Surgery. These solutions are written and compiled by top professionals and subject matter experts who hold years of experience dealing with the NCERT and CBSE Syllabus.


Related Study Materials for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 1

Students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet, Chapter 1–

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Study Material Links for Class 10 English Chapter 1

1.

A Triumph Of Surgery Notes

2.

A Triumph Of Surgery Important Questions


Links for NCERT Class 10 English Solutions (Footprints without Feet)


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FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 1 A Triumph of Surgery

1. How do Vedantu's NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 1 help in solving all the textbook questions for 'A Triumph of Surgery'?

Vedantu's solutions provide step-by-step answers to every question in the NCERT textbook for 'A Triumph of Surgery'. They cover reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic questions, ensuring that students understand the correct methodology to frame answers as per the CBSE guidelines. This helps build a strong foundation for the entire 'Footprints Without Feet' supplementary reader.

2. Are the NCERT Solutions for 'A Triumph of Surgery' updated according to the latest CBSE Class 10 syllabus for 2025-26?

Yes, all NCERT Solutions on Vedantu are meticulously revised and aligned with the latest CBSE curriculum and syllabus for the 2025-26 academic year. Our subject matter experts ensure that the answers reflect the current question patterns and marking schemes, making them a reliable resource for exam preparation.

3. What is the correct way to explain why Mrs. Pumphrey called Tricki's recovery 'a triumph of surgery'?

To explain this correctly, your answer should state that Mrs. Pumphrey used the phrase 'a triumph of surgery' because she believed Tricki had undergone a complex medical operation. However, the real "surgery" was Mr. Herriot's method of strict discipline, controlled diet, and exercise. The triumph was in the vet's common-sense approach, which successfully cured Tricki without any actual medical surgery. She called it this out of gratitude and her misunderstanding of the treatment.

4. What were the key steps in the treatment method Mr. Herriot used to cure Tricki at his surgery?

Mr. Herriot's treatment method for Tricki involved several key steps:

  • Diagnosis: He correctly identified that Tricki's only problem was overfeeding, not a real illness.
  • Separation: He moved Tricki away from Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgent environment to his surgery.
  • Dietary Control: He put Tricki on a strict diet, starting with only water for the first two days, and then gradually introducing small, healthy meals.
  • Physical Activity: He encouraged Tricki to run, play, and compete for food with the other dogs, which built up his strength and energy.

This practical, non-medicinal approach was the core of his successful treatment.

5. From an examination perspective, how should a student analyse the character of Mrs. Pumphrey?

To analyse Mrs. Pumphrey's character for an exam, focus on these key traits:

  • Loving and Indulgent: She was immensely fond of her dog, but her love manifested as over-pampering and overfeeding.
  • Wealthy and Eccentric: Her ability to provide a lavish lifestyle for a dog (separate beds, coats, etc.) shows her wealth, while her actions portray her as slightly eccentric.
  • Ignorant but Well-Intentioned: She lacked the knowledge of what was truly healthy for her pet. Her actions, though harmful, stemmed from a place of love and concern.
  • Gullible and Grateful: She easily believed Mr. Herriot's white lie about the surgery and was deeply thankful for his help.

Your answer should conclude that she is a loving but foolishly indulgent pet owner.

6. How does the vet's practical approach to Tricki's health contrast with Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional approach to care?

The contrast in their approaches is a central theme. Mr. Herriot represents a practical, professional, and disciplined approach. He understands the biological needs of an animal and uses common sense and strictness to restore health. In contrast, Mrs. Pumphrey represents an emotional, indulgent, and humanised approach. She treats Tricki like a human child, projecting her own feelings onto him and believing that rich food and comfort are signs of love and care.

7. What is the central message or moral conveyed in the chapter 'A Triumph of Surgery'?

The central message of 'A Triumph of Surgery' is that excessive love and pampering can be harmful. It highlights the importance of discipline, moderation, and a balanced lifestyle. The story teaches that sometimes, being strict and making tough decisions is a greater act of love than blind indulgence. It also subtly critiques the lifestyles of the rich who often spoil their pets.

8. Was Mr. Herriot justified in deceiving Mrs. Pumphrey about Tricki's treatment? Analyse this from a character perspective.

Yes, from a narrative and ethical standpoint, Mr. Herriot was justified. His deception was a 'white lie' told for the greater good of his patient, Tricki. He understood that Mrs. Pumphrey's anxiety and interference would undermine the treatment. By telling her Tricki needed "surgery," he created a necessary distance to enforce the strict diet and exercise regimen. The successful outcome—Tricki's complete recovery—proves that his decision was correct and ultimately compassionate.