CLASS 10 NOTES
ENGLISH
Footprints without Feet
ENGLISH
PRASHANT KIRAD
PRASHANT KIRAD
, INDEX
1. A Triumph of Surgery
2. The Thief's Story
3. The Midnight Visitor
4. A Question of Trust
5. Footprints Without Feet
6. The Making of a Scientist
7. The Necklace
8. Bholi
9. The Book that Saved the Earth
, A Triumph of Surgery
Introduction: Mrs. Pumphrey's Worry for Tricki
Tricki, a small, overfed dog, lived a luxurious life with his wealthy mistress, Mrs.
Pumphrey. She pampered him excessively with rich food like cream cakes and
chocolates, leading to his ill health. Tricki became lethargic and overweight, resembling
a "bloated sausage." Alarmed by his condition, Mrs. Pumphrey sought the help of Mr.
Herriot, a veterinary surgeon.
Mr. Herriot’s Intervention
Mr. Herriot advised Mrs. Pumphrey to put Tricki on a strict diet and increase his
physical activity. However, she found it difficult to follow his instructions. When
Tricki’s health deteriorated further—he refused to eat, vomited, and showed no
interest in his surroundings—Mr. Herriot decided to hospitalize him.
Tricki’s Recovery at the Surgery
At the surgery, Tricki underwent a remarkable transformation. He was given no special
food or medication, only plenty of water and time to interact with other dogs. Playing
and competing with them brought back his energy and reduced his weight. He started
eating normally and adapted to an active lifestyle.
Mrs. Pumphrey’s Overwhelming Gratitude
During Tricki’s stay, Mrs. Pumphrey kept sending luxury items like eggs, wine, and
brandy, thinking they were essential for his recovery. Meanwhile, the veterinary staff
enjoyed the treats. After two weeks, Mr. Herriot informed Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki
had fully recovered.
The Triumph of Surgery
When Mrs. Pumphrey came to collect Tricki, she was overjoyed to see him healthy and
energetic. She considered his recovery a "triumph of surgery," unaware that the real
cure was a change in lifestyle.
Lessons from the Story
The story highlights the importance of moderation and a healthy lifestyle for pets. It
also portrays Mrs. Pumphrey’s blind love for Tricki and Mr. Herriot’s practical
approach to solving problems. The humor lies in Mrs. Pumphrey’s misunderstanding of
Tricki’s recovery process and the indulgence of the veterinary staff.
Character Sketch of Tricki
Tricki is a pampered and gluttonous dog whose greed for food causes his illness.
Despite his initial lethargy, he adapts quickly to an active life, showing resilience and
joy in simple pleasures like playing with other dogs.
, Extract Based Questions:
“I tried to sound severe: ‘Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut down on
the sweet things, it’s all over for him. You don’t understand, don’t you ? Mrs.
Pumphrey wrung her hands. ‘Oh, I will, Mr. Herriot. I’m sure you’re right, but
it would break his heart.
I. What tone does Mr. Herriot use when speaking to Mrs. Pumphrey?
A. Empathetic
B. Stern
C. Humorous
D. Indifferent
Answer: B. Stern
II. How does Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction reveal her relationship with Tricki?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction shows that she is overly indulgent and
emotionally attached to Tricki, treating him more like a pampered child than a pet.
Her reluctance to make changes, despite knowing it is necessary, highlights her
excessive care and affection for Tricki.
III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Mrs. Pumphrey's behavior can be described as __________ (practical /
indulgent).
Answer: Indulgent
IV. What does this interaction reveal about Mr. Herriot’s approach as a
veterinarian?
Answer: This interaction reveals that Mr. Herriot is professional and firm when it
comes to the well-being of animals. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and
is willing to confront owners about their behavior to ensure the health of their
pets.
2. "The entire staff was roused, maids rushed in and out bringing his day-bed,
his night-bed, cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper
bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all the stuff, I started to drive
away as fast as I could. As I moved off, Mrs. Pumphrey, with a cry, threw an
armful of little coats through the window."
I. What does this extract tell us about Mrs. Pumphrey’s character?
A. She is indifferent towards Tricki’s needs.
B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
C. She is practical in ensuring Tricki’s comfort.
D. She is dismissive of Mr. Herriot’s advice.
Answer: B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
ENGLISH
Footprints without Feet
ENGLISH
PRASHANT KIRAD
PRASHANT KIRAD
, INDEX
1. A Triumph of Surgery
2. The Thief's Story
3. The Midnight Visitor
4. A Question of Trust
5. Footprints Without Feet
6. The Making of a Scientist
7. The Necklace
8. Bholi
9. The Book that Saved the Earth
, A Triumph of Surgery
Introduction: Mrs. Pumphrey's Worry for Tricki
Tricki, a small, overfed dog, lived a luxurious life with his wealthy mistress, Mrs.
Pumphrey. She pampered him excessively with rich food like cream cakes and
chocolates, leading to his ill health. Tricki became lethargic and overweight, resembling
a "bloated sausage." Alarmed by his condition, Mrs. Pumphrey sought the help of Mr.
Herriot, a veterinary surgeon.
Mr. Herriot’s Intervention
Mr. Herriot advised Mrs. Pumphrey to put Tricki on a strict diet and increase his
physical activity. However, she found it difficult to follow his instructions. When
Tricki’s health deteriorated further—he refused to eat, vomited, and showed no
interest in his surroundings—Mr. Herriot decided to hospitalize him.
Tricki’s Recovery at the Surgery
At the surgery, Tricki underwent a remarkable transformation. He was given no special
food or medication, only plenty of water and time to interact with other dogs. Playing
and competing with them brought back his energy and reduced his weight. He started
eating normally and adapted to an active lifestyle.
Mrs. Pumphrey’s Overwhelming Gratitude
During Tricki’s stay, Mrs. Pumphrey kept sending luxury items like eggs, wine, and
brandy, thinking they were essential for his recovery. Meanwhile, the veterinary staff
enjoyed the treats. After two weeks, Mr. Herriot informed Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki
had fully recovered.
The Triumph of Surgery
When Mrs. Pumphrey came to collect Tricki, she was overjoyed to see him healthy and
energetic. She considered his recovery a "triumph of surgery," unaware that the real
cure was a change in lifestyle.
Lessons from the Story
The story highlights the importance of moderation and a healthy lifestyle for pets. It
also portrays Mrs. Pumphrey’s blind love for Tricki and Mr. Herriot’s practical
approach to solving problems. The humor lies in Mrs. Pumphrey’s misunderstanding of
Tricki’s recovery process and the indulgence of the veterinary staff.
Character Sketch of Tricki
Tricki is a pampered and gluttonous dog whose greed for food causes his illness.
Despite his initial lethargy, he adapts quickly to an active life, showing resilience and
joy in simple pleasures like playing with other dogs.
, Extract Based Questions:
“I tried to sound severe: ‘Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut down on
the sweet things, it’s all over for him. You don’t understand, don’t you ? Mrs.
Pumphrey wrung her hands. ‘Oh, I will, Mr. Herriot. I’m sure you’re right, but
it would break his heart.
I. What tone does Mr. Herriot use when speaking to Mrs. Pumphrey?
A. Empathetic
B. Stern
C. Humorous
D. Indifferent
Answer: B. Stern
II. How does Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction reveal her relationship with Tricki?
Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s reaction shows that she is overly indulgent and
emotionally attached to Tricki, treating him more like a pampered child than a pet.
Her reluctance to make changes, despite knowing it is necessary, highlights her
excessive care and affection for Tricki.
III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket:
Mrs. Pumphrey's behavior can be described as __________ (practical /
indulgent).
Answer: Indulgent
IV. What does this interaction reveal about Mr. Herriot’s approach as a
veterinarian?
Answer: This interaction reveals that Mr. Herriot is professional and firm when it
comes to the well-being of animals. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and
is willing to confront owners about their behavior to ensure the health of their
pets.
2. "The entire staff was roused, maids rushed in and out bringing his day-bed,
his night-bed, cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper
bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all the stuff, I started to drive
away as fast as I could. As I moved off, Mrs. Pumphrey, with a cry, threw an
armful of little coats through the window."
I. What does this extract tell us about Mrs. Pumphrey’s character?
A. She is indifferent towards Tricki’s needs.
B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
C. She is practical in ensuring Tricki’s comfort.
D. She is dismissive of Mr. Herriot’s advice.
Answer: B. She is overly anxious and extravagant in her care for Tricki.
