A Triumph of Surgery: Ultimate Guide

Explore the enduring appeal of A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot, a delightful story featured in Footprints Without Feet. This witty yet poignant tale centres around Tricki, a pampered dog, and his owner’s journey towards learning the value of simplicity and balance. Aligned with the latest CBSE guidelines, this post provides a comprehensive summary, word meanings, and answers to frequently asked exam questions, offering a perfect resource for students preparing for tests.

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Summary of A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot

A Triumph of Surgery is a humorous yet insightful story about Tricki, a pampered and overfed Pekingese dog owned by Mrs Pumphrey. Tricki’s indulgent lifestyle leads him to fall seriously ill. His owner, Mrs Pumphrey, seeks the help of the narrator, a kind-hearted veterinarian. The vet quickly realises that Tricki’s problem is less about physical ailments and more about overindulgence.

The vet takes Tricki to his surgery under the pretext of treatment. At the clinic, Tricki undergoes a complete lifestyle change. He is denied luxuries, placed on a strict diet, and encouraged to play with other dogs. Gradually, Tricki transforms into a healthier, more active dog. Meanwhile, Mrs Pumphrey constantly sends luxurious food and gifts for Tricki, which the vet and his staff thoroughly enjoy.

When Tricki finally returns home, his recovery astonishes Mrs Pumphrey, who calls it “a triumph of surgery.” The story subtly conveys how excess care and indulgence can harm, and moderation is key to a happy life.

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Word Meanings of A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot

Word	Meaning
Sausage	Finely minced meat stuffed into long cylindrical cases and divided into small lengths by twisting or tying.
Rheumy	A watery discharge from a mucous membrane, especially of the nose or eyes.
Listless	Lacking energy and enthusiasm.
Lumbago	Muscular pain in the lower part of the back (lumbar region).
Regime	Prescribed course of exercise and diet.
Distraught	Extremely worried.
Surgery	A place where a doctor, a dentist, or a veterinary surgeon treats patients.
Scrimmage	Rough or confused struggle.
Convalescing	Recovering from an illness.
Lithe	Flexible.
Pampered	Treated with excessive care.
Indulgence	Allowing oneself too much of something.
Luxurious	Extremely comfortable or elegant.
Ailments	Minor illnesses.
Pretext	A false reason given to hide the truth.
Transformation	A thorough change in appearance or character.
Astonished	Greatly surprised.
Moderation	Avoiding extremes.
Reluctantly	Unwillingly.
Triumph	A great victory or achievement.

Answers to Comprehension Questions from A Triumph of Surgery by James Herriot

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READ AND FIND OUT – I

1. Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
   Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become lethargic and unwell due to his overindulgent lifestyle, which included overeating and lack of exercise.
2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
   To help Tricki, Mrs Pumphrey feeds him more food and gives him various tonics, believing they will strengthen him. However, this is unwise as it worsens his condition.
3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
   In this story, ‘I’ refers to the narrator, who is a veterinary surgeon tasked with treating Tricki.

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READ AND FIND OUT – II

1. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
   No, the narrator is not as rich as Mrs Pumphrey, who leads a very luxurious life.
2. How does he treat the dog?
   The narrator treats Tricki by introducing a simple regimen of strict diet and exercise, allowing him to regain health naturally.
3. Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
   The narrator is tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest because of the luxurious food and gifts sent by Mrs Pumphrey, which his staff enjoys immensely.
4. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
   Mrs Pumphrey believes the recovery is “a triumph of surgery” as she assumes that advanced medical procedures saved Tricki, unaware of the simple lifestyle changes that actually cured him.

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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?
   The narrator is a sensible, compassionate, and tactful individual. He understands both Tricki’s condition and Mrs Pumphrey’s personality, addressing the problem with practical solutions while being considerate of her emotions.
2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
   Tricki may have been happy to reunite with Mrs Pumphrey but could miss the active lifestyle at the surgery. It is likely that Mrs Pumphrey might revert to her indulgent ways, risking Tricki’s health again.
3. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
   The story appears to be a mixture of both. While the humorous exaggerations suggest fiction, the underlying theme of overindulgence and its consequences mirrors real-life situations.

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TALK ABOUT IT

1. This episode describes the silly behaviour 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?
   Such people may seem silly, but their actions can cause harm. Overindulgence, whether towards pets or people, can have negative consequences, as seen in Tricki’s deteriorating health.
2. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
   Yes, some parents, like Mrs Pumphrey, indulge their children excessively, which can lead to health, behavioural, or dependency issues.
3. What would you have done if you were: (i) a member of the staff in Mrs Pumphrey’s household, (ii) a neighbour? What would your life have been like, in general?
   • (i) As a staff member, I might have tried to advise Mrs Pumphrey against overfeeding Tricki, though my suggestions might be ignored.
   • (ii) As a neighbour, I might have found her lifestyle amusing yet frustrating, especially if her indulgence extended beyond her pet.
4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
   In the narrator’s place, I would have followed the same approach—taking Tricki away for practical treatment and ensuring his health through discipline and exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. Why did Mrs Pumphrey take Tricki to the narrator?
   Mrs Pumphrey took Tricki to the narrator because he was unwell due to his overindulgent lifestyle. She believed he needed immediate medical attention.
2. What did the vet suspect about Tricki’s condition?
   The vet suspected that Tricki’s illness was caused by overfeeding, lack of exercise, and pampering rather than any real physical problem.
3. How did Tricki behave at the clinic initially?
   Tricki was listless and refused to eat initially at the clinic, but he soon started interacting with other dogs and became more active.
4. What lifestyle changes were introduced to Tricki at the surgery?
   Tricki was put on a strict diet, encouraged to exercise, and denied any luxurious treatment, which improved his health.
5. How did Mrs Pumphrey show her concern for Tricki?
   Mrs Pumphrey frequently sent baskets of food, wine, and gifts for Tricki, thinking it would comfort him during his stay at the surgery.
6. What role did other dogs play in Tricki’s recovery?
   The other dogs at the clinic helped Tricki become more active and playful, contributing to his recovery.
7. What does Mrs Pumphrey call Tricki’s recovery? Why?
   Mrs Pumphrey calls Tricki’s recovery a “triumph of surgery” because she believed his miraculous transformation was due to advanced medical treatment.
8. How did the narrator’s staff benefit during Tricki’s stay?
   The narrator’s staff enjoyed the luxurious food and drinks sent by Mrs Pumphrey, which were meant for Tricki.
9. What is the central theme of the story?
   The story highlights the dangers of overindulgence and the importance of moderation and discipline for a healthy life.
10. How does the narrator use humour in the story?
    The narrator uses humour through his witty remarks and the irony of the situation, such as Mrs Pumphrey’s blind indulgence and Tricki’s transformation.

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Analysis of A Triumph of Surgery

The Pampered Pooch

Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy woman, dotes on her dog, Tricki. She overfeeds him, giving him rich food and expensive brandy. This pampering leads to Tricki becoming overweight and lethargic.  

The Veterinarian’s Diagnosis

Dr. Herriot, a wise and experienced veterinarian, recognizes the problem immediately. He knows that Tricki needs a strict diet and exercise regimen. However, Mrs. Pumphrey is reluctant to accept this.  

The Secret Treatment

To ensure Tricki’s recovery, Dr. Herriot decides to hospitalize the dog. Here, Tricki is fed a simple diet and is encouraged to exercise. This drastic change in lifestyle helps him shed weight and regain his health.  

A Misleading Triumph

When Tricki is finally discharged, Mrs. Pumphrey is overjoyed. She believes that Dr. Herriot has performed a miraculous surgery. In reality, the “triumph” is the result of simple, common-sense treatment.

A Gentle Satire

“A Triumph of Surgery” is a humorous tale that subtly satirizes the tendency of some people to overindulge their pets. The story highlights the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise for animals, just as it is for humans.  

Key Themes

• The Dangers of Overindulgence: The story warns against the negative consequences of excessive pampering.  
• The Power of Simplicity: Dr. Herriot’s approach demonstrates that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
• The Importance of Professional Advice: The story emphasizes the value of seeking expert help.

Conclusion

“A Triumph of Surgery” is a delightful and thought-provoking story that teaches us valuable lessons about pet care and human behavior. It is a reminder that even the most pampered pets need a balanced lifestyle to thrive.