Class 10 English Notes Chapter 1 (A Triumph of Surgery) – Foot Prints Without Feet Supp. Reader Book

Alright, let's focus on Chapter 1, 'A Triumph of Surgery' from your 'Footprints Without Feet' Supplementary Reader. This is a simple yet insightful story by James Herriot, often important for comprehension and character-based questions in exams.

A Triumph of Surgery - Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation

Author: James Herriot (Real name: James Alfred Wight, a British veterinary surgeon and writer). His stories are often semi-autobiographical, based on his experiences as a vet.

Setting: England, likely rural or semi-rural, involving Mrs. Pumphrey's luxurious home and Dr. Herriot's veterinary surgery.

Synopsis:
The story revolves around Tricki, a small dog excessively pampered and overfed by his wealthy owner, Mrs. Pumphrey. This leads to Tricki becoming seriously ill. Dr. James Herriot, a veterinary surgeon, steps in and treats the dog not with medicine or surgery, but with common sense – controlling his diet and making him exercise. Tricki recovers completely, and Mrs. Pumphrey, unaware of the simple method, hails it as "a triumph of surgery."

Characters Analysis:

1. Tricki:

   • Description: A small dog, initially active but becomes hugely fat, listless, like a "bloated sausage" with legs. His tongue lolls from his jaws, eyes are bloodshot and rheumy.
   • Problem: Suffers from ailments caused solely by overfeeding and lack of exercise. He is greedy and never refuses food.
   • Personality: Pampered, lethargic, but essentially a good-natured dog who transforms into an energetic, muscular animal after treatment.
   • Role: The 'patient' whose condition highlights the dangers of excessive indulgence.

2. Mrs. Pumphrey:

   • Description: A very wealthy, loving, and doting single woman (implied).
   • Personality: Extremely attached to Tricki, treats him like a human child. Kind-hearted but lacks discipline and understanding of a dog's needs. She is foolishly indulgent, believing extra treats (malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, cream cakes, chocolates) are necessary for his health. She finds it hard to be strict.
   • Motivation: Deep affection for Tricki, but her love manifests as harmful overfeeding. She is anxious and distraught when Tricki is unwell or taken away.
   • Role: Represents excessive, unthinking love and wealth leading to problems. Her ignorance about the actual treatment leads to the ironic title.

3. Dr. James Herriot (The Narrator):

   • Description: A capable and practical veterinary surgeon.
   • Personality: Observant (quickly diagnoses Tricki's problem), sensible, pragmatic, and kind but firm. He understands animal behaviour and human psychology (knows Mrs. Pumphrey won't follow his advice easily). He uses tact and common sense. Enjoys the perks (eggs, wine, brandy) sent by Mrs. Pumphrey but prioritises the dog's health.
   • Method: Believes in natural remedies – proper diet and exercise – over unnecessary medication or surgery for Tricki's condition.
   • Role: The sensible caregiver and narrator who provides the solution and perspective. His practical approach contrasts sharply with Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgence.

Plot Summary:

1. Initial Encounter: Dr. Herriot sees Tricki with Mrs. Pumphrey on the street and is shocked by the dog's obese condition.
2. Warning: He advises Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down Tricki's food and give him more exercise, but anticipates she won't follow through.
3. The Inevitable Call: As expected, Mrs. Pumphrey calls Dr. Herriot soon after, reporting Tricki has collapsed, refusing food, and having bouts of vomiting.
4. The Decision: Dr. Herriot decides the only way to save Tricki is to hospitalise him for a fortnight, away from Mrs. Pumphrey's pampering.
5. Hospitalisation: Tricki is taken to the surgery. Mrs. Pumphrey is distraught, sending along numerous belongings (beds, cushions, toys, bowls, coats).
6. The Treatment:
   • Dr. Herriot puts Tricki in a warm loose box among other dogs.
   • Day 1-2: No food, only water.
   • Day 3: Tricki shows interest in surroundings, whimpers. Given food, starts competing with other dogs for meals.
   • Subsequent Days: No medicinal treatment. Tricki joins the pack, plays, runs, discovers the joy of being a dog, eats regular meals, and exercises naturally.
7. Mrs. Pumphrey's Provisions: Anxious Mrs. Pumphrey starts sending fresh eggs, wine, and later brandy, believing Tricki needs them to build strength. Dr. Herriot and his staff enjoy these luxuries.
8. Recovery: Tricki transforms into a lithe, hard-muscled, energetic dog.
9. The Return: After a fortnight, Dr. Herriot informs Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki is recovered. She arrives in her car, anxious.
10. Reunion: Tricki leaps into Mrs. Pumphrey's lap upon seeing her, overjoyed.
11. The "Triumph": Mrs. Pumphrey, seeing the recovered Tricki and unaware of the simple treatment, declares tearfully, "Oh, Mr. Herriot, this is a triumph of surgery!"

Themes:

1. Dangers of Excessive Pampering/Indulgence: The central theme. Mrs. Pumphrey's love, expressed through overfeeding, nearly kills Tricki.
2. Importance of Discipline and Balanced Lifestyle: Tricki's recovery highlights the need for proper diet and exercise, not just for animals but implicitly for humans too.
3. Common Sense vs. Blind Affection: Dr. Herriot's practical, common-sense approach is contrasted with Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional, unthinking affection.
4. Appearance vs. Reality: The "surgery" wasn't a medical operation but a change in lifestyle and environment. Mrs. Pumphrey perceives it as a complex medical success.
5. Irony: The title itself is ironic as no surgery was performed. The vet and staff enjoying the luxurious provisions meant for the dog is also situational irony. Mrs. Pumphrey's final exclamation is dramatic irony, as the reader knows the truth, but she doesn't.

Title Significance:
The title "A Triumph of Surgery" is deeply ironic. Mrs. Pumphrey uses the phrase believing Tricki underwent some complex medical procedure (surgery) to be cured. However, the real "triumph" was achieved through Dr. Herriot's common-sense approach: enforcing a strict diet and exercise regimen, essentially letting Tricki live like a normal dog. The success was due to the absence of pampering and medical intervention, not because of it.

Key Vocabulary/Phrases:

• Bloated sausage: Describing Tricki's fat appearance.
• Listless: Lacking energy or enthusiasm.
• Rheumy: Watery (referring to eyes).
• Distraught: Very worried and upset.
• Surgery: Here refers to the veterinary clinic/hospital, not just the act of operating.
• Regime: A system or planned way of doing things (diet/exercise).
• Scrimmage: A confused struggle or fight (for food among the dogs).
• Convalescing: Recovering health and strength after illness.
• Lithe: Thin, supple, and graceful.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What was the main reason for Tricki's illness?
   a) A bacterial infection
   b) Lack of exercise
   c) Malnutrition due to poverty
   d) Overfeeding by Mrs. Pumphrey

2. What advice did Dr. Herriot initially give Mrs. Pumphrey regarding Tricki?
   a) To give him more vitamins
   b) To cut down his food and increase exercise
   c) To admit him to the surgery immediately
   d) To buy him more toys

3. How did Dr. Herriot treat Tricki at his surgery for the first two days?
   a) Gave him injections and medicines
   b) Performed a minor surgery
   c) Gave him only water and no food
   d) Fed him a rich diet to build strength

4. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey start sending eggs, wine, and brandy to the surgery?
   a) As payment for the treatment
   b) Because Dr. Herriot asked for them
   c) She thought Tricki needed them for recovery
   d) To share with the other dogs

5. What does the phrase "a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner" describe?
   a) A type of toy Tricki played with
   b) The appearance of the overfed Tricki
   c) A dish Mrs. Pumphrey prepared
   d) Another dog at the surgery

6. How did Tricki transform by the end of his stay at the surgery?
   a) He became sad and missed Mrs. Pumphrey
   b) He learned several new tricks
   c) He became thin, muscular, and energetic
   d) He became aggressive towards other dogs

7. The title "A Triumph of Surgery" is an example of:
   a) Metaphor
   b) Simile
   c) Personification
   d) Irony

8. Who is the narrator of the story 'A Triumph of Surgery'?
   a) Tricki
   b) Mrs. Pumphrey
   c) Dr. James Herriot
   d) Hodgkin, the gardener

9. What did Tricki enjoy doing with the other dogs at the surgery?
   a) Sharing his special food
   b) Playing, running, and competing for meals
   c) Sleeping in his special bed
   d) Ignoring them completely

10. Which word best describes Mrs. Pumphrey's attitude towards Tricki?
    a) Indifferent
    b) Strict
    c) Foolishly indulgent
    d) Practical

Answer Key:

1. (d) Overfeeding by Mrs. Pumphrey
2. (b) To cut down his food and increase exercise
3. (c) Gave him only water and no food
4. (c) She thought Tricki needed them for recovery
5. (b) The appearance of the overfed Tricki
6. (c) He became thin, muscular, and energetic
7. (d) Irony
8. (c) Dr. James Herriot
9. (b) Playing, running, and competing for meals
10. (c) Foolishly indulgent

Study these notes carefully, focusing on character traits, plot progression, and the underlying themes, especially the irony. Good luck with your preparation!