Page 46 - Success Plus English Language and Literature Class 10

A Triumph of Surgery

Theme

Pampering pets significant physical exercise. Hence, Tricki becomes a
glutton, fat and sluggish. Eventually Tricki falls ill and
The story describes how too much pampering harms loses interest in food. Plenty of food and too much
pets. Mrs Pumphrey loves Tricki a lot and wants the comfort do not make Tricki healthy; on the contrary he
best things for him. But her well-meaning attempts becomes unhealthy.
to provide a comfortable life to Tricki harms him more At the surgery, doctor James Herriot reduces
than doing him any good. Tricki’s intake of food and lets him play and run around
Mrs Pumphrey is too anxious about Tricki’s well with other dogs. A moderate diet and physically
being. She overfeeds him to protect him from illness active routine not only make Tricki healthy but he also
and weakness. She keeps coats, cushions, beds and begins to enjoy his life. All this happens without any
toys for him. Tricki eats all day without having any medicine.

Character Sketches

James Herriot Mrs Pumphrey

James Herriot is a competent vet who does Mrs Pumphrey is a rich and simple-minded
his job honestly and with understanding. He woman who adores her dog, Tricki. She is so
is genuinely concerned about the health of the anxious about the health of her pet that she
animals he treats. When he sees Tricki with does not let him have the normal life of a dog.
Mrs Pumphrey in the street, he gets worried She overfeeds Tricki and gives him a luxurious
about his health because he knows Tricki may life which does not have any opportunity
fall ill soon. He strictly instructs Mrs Pumphrey for physical activity. Tricki is always eating
about the diet and exercise of Tricki. something and never refuses food. This lifestyle
Herriot can foresee the consequences of makes Tricki fat and lazy.
Mrs Pumphrey’s pampering on Tricki. So, Even after the doctor’s advice, Mrs Pumphrey
he makes the plan in advance for the dog’s is unable to bring herself to be strict with Tricki.
treatment. He is proved right when Mrs She is so soft-hearted that she does not have
Pumphrey informs him about Tricki’s ill health. the heart to refuse anything Tricki asks for. She
He successfully treats Tricki without using any indulges Tricki to the extent that he falls ill.
medicine or surgery. He wisely keeps Tricki Tricki loses interest in food and all the other
away from the eggs and alcohol sent by activities. Even when Tricki is hospitalised for a
Mrs Pumphrey because he knows they will fortnight, she keeps sending eggs and alcohol for
hamper Tricki’s recovery. him.
Although he has the opportunity to exploit Though Mrs Pumphrey is a loving woman,
Mrs Pumphrey’s love for Tricki, he promptly she does not know the virtue of moderation. She
sends Tricki back to Mrs Pumphrey as soon as cannot see the ill effects of excessive food and
he recovers. He proves himself a wise and good- luxury on Tricki’s health. She does not realise
hearted person. that Tricky needs a normal and physically active
life.

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