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I. Chapter Summary
“A Triumph of Surgery” by James Herriot is a humorous and heartwarming short story that revolves around Tricki, an overfed and pampered Pomeranian dog, and his compassionate veterinarian, Dr. Herriot. Tricki’s owner, Mrs. Pumphrey, showers him with rich food and affection, leading to obesity and poor health. Dr. Herriot cleverly pretends to perform a “surgery” and admits Tricki to his clinic, where the dog gradually regains health through exercise, simple food, and the company of other dogs. The story concludes with Mrs. Pumphrey believing that a miraculous surgery has saved her beloved pet.
Themes: Overindulgence, care vs. pampering, deception for good, responsible pet ownership, and humorous irony.
II. Key Concepts Covered
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overindulgence | Overfeeding and pampering can lead to health issues—even in animals. |
| Responsible Ownership | True love involves understanding the real needs of a pet, not just giving luxuries. |
| Satire and Humor | The author uses gentle irony and comic exaggeration to depict Mrs. Pumphrey’s ignorance. |
| Deception for Good | Dr. Herriot lies about the surgery to help Tricki, showcasing ethical manipulation for welfare. |
| Characterization | Contrast between Mrs. Pumphrey’s emotional naivety and Dr. Herriot’s practical wisdom. |
III. Important Questions
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)
- What was the real cause of Tricki’s illness?
- a) Viral infection
- b) Lack of food
- c) Overeating and no exercise
- d) Injury from a fall
- Answer: c) Overeating and no exercise
(PYQ – 2020)
- Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call the vet?
- a) Tricki ran away
- b) Tricki refused to eat and was lethargic
- c) Tricki bit someone
- d) Tricki was barking continuously
- Answer: b) Tricki refused to eat and was lethargic
- What did Dr. Herriot claim he had done to Tricki?
- a) Given a special diet
- b) Performed a surgery
- c) Taught him tricks
- d) Gave him an injection
- Answer: b) Performed a surgery
- How did Tricki’s health improve?
- a) By giving expensive medicine
- b) By pampering and feeding more
- c) By exercise, simple food, and socializing
- d) Through home remedies
- Answer: c) By exercise, simple food, and socializing
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)
- What changes occurred in Tricki at the surgery? (PYQ – 2019)
- Why was Dr. Herriot worried about Tricki when he first saw him?
- How did the other dogs at the surgery contribute to Tricki’s recovery?
- How does the story reflect the difference between genuine care and pampering?
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
- Describe the character of Dr. Herriot. How does he show wisdom and empathy? (PYQ – 2020)
- What kind of a person was Mrs. Pumphrey? How did her behaviour affect Tricki’s health?
- What message does the author give through the story “A Triumph of Surgery”?
- Justify the title “A Triumph of Surgery”. Was it truly a surgical success?
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
- If you were Dr. Herriot, would you have taken a different approach with Mrs. Pumphrey? Justify your answer.
- What role does gentle humor play in conveying the serious message of responsible pet ownership in the story?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts
(As this is a literature chapter, no formulas are applicable. Key concepts are already listed above.)
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)
| Unit/Chapter | Estimated Marks | Type of Questions Typically Asked |
|---|---|---|
| A Triumph of Surgery | 6–8 marks | 1 MCQ, 1 Short Answer, 1 Long Answer, 1 HOTS |
VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Year | Question Type | Question |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 Marks | How did Tricki recover at the surgery? |
| 2019 | 3 Marks | Describe the transformation in Tricki. |
| 2020 | 5 Marks | What lessons does the story teach about pet care? |
| 2022 | 1 Mark | What did Dr. Herriot pretend to do for Tricki’s recovery? |
VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics
- Pet Parenting: The story is a mirror for pet lovers on how pampering can be harmful.
- Veterinary Ethics: Veterinarians often use discretion for the welfare of animals.
- Health and Lifestyle: Highlights how diet and exercise are essential for all beings.
- Emotional Intelligence: Importance of balancing emotion and practicality in relationships—applies to human parenting too.
IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success (Class-Specific)
Time Management
- Allocate 30 mins daily for English reading (Literature + Grammar).
- Maintain a weekly reading log and write summaries.
Exam Preparation
- Prepare character sketches and moral lessons of each story.
- Practice writing answers in 40–60 words (Short) and 100–120 words (Long).
- Use keywords from the text to support your answers.
Stress Management
- Avoid last-minute cramming; instead, review chapter summaries regularly.
- Use calming breathing exercises before exams.
X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)
For Classes 9–10
- Streams Overview:
- Science: Engineering, Medical, Research.
- Commerce: Business, CA, Banking.
- Arts/Humanities: Literature, Journalism, Civil Services, Psychology.
- Skill Development: Reading and writing habits developed in English aid in careers like:
- Author/Writer
- Veterinarian (relatable through the chapter)
- Journalist
- Public Speaker/Orator
- Entrance Exams: NTSE, SOF English Olympiad, CUET foundational skills.
XI. Important Notes
- Always refer to CBSE Academic Website and NCERT for updates.
- Revisit chapters monthly with self-check questions.
- Focus on understanding themes and character values—these appear in unseen passages too.