A Triumph of Surgery
A Triumph of Surgery Solution, Summary & Word Meaning
A Triumph of Surgery Summary
The story begins with the narrator, a veterinarian named Mr. Herriot, encountering Mrs. Pumphrey and her small dog, Tricki, on the street. Herriot is shocked by Tricki’s appearance – the dog has become extremely overweight, with bloodshot eyes and a lolling tongue.
Mrs. Pumphrey explains that Tricki had been listless and lacking energy, so she had been giving him “extras” between meals, including malt, cod-liver oil, and Horlicks. Despite Herriot’s previous advice to cut down on sweet treats, Mrs. Pumphrey had continued to indulge Tricki with cream cakes and chocolates, unable to refuse him.
The Dire Situation
Herriot learns that Tricki’s exercise routine has also been neglected due to the gardener’s lumbago. He sternly warns Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki needs a strict diet and more exercise, or he will become seriously ill.
A few days later, Mrs. Pumphrey calls Herriot in distress. Tricki has stopped eating, is vomiting, and spends all his time lying down and panting. Herriot decides the only solution is to hospitalize Tricki for about two weeks.
The Road to Recovery
Despite Mrs. Pumphrey’s emotional reaction, Herriot takes Tricki to his surgery. The other dogs there initially show interest in Tricki but soon ignore him due to his lethargy.
For the first two days, Herriot gives Tricki only water. By the third day, Tricki begins to show interest in his surroundings and the other dogs. He starts joining in their activities, running and playing in the garden.
Tricki’s health rapidly improves as he engages in regular exercise with the other dogs and adapts to a normal feeding routine. He becomes an enthusiastic member of the dog “gang,” even participating in rat hunts.
The Misguided Concern
Meanwhile, Mrs. Pumphrey frequently calls for updates. She sends eggs, wine, and eventually brandy to help with Tricki’s “convalescence.” Herriot and his colleagues enjoy these luxuries, jokingly considering keeping Tricki as a permanent guest.
The Triumphant Return
After two weeks, Herriot informs Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki has recovered. When she arrives to collect him, Tricki has transformed into a fit, energetic dog. He leaps into Mrs. Pumphrey’s arms, showering her with affection.
The story concludes with Mrs. Pumphrey, overcome with emotion, declaring Tricki’s recovery “a triumph of surgery,” although Herriot had provided no medical treatment beyond a proper diet and exercise regimen.
This chapter humorously illustrates the problems of overindulgence in pets, the effectiveness of a balanced lifestyle, and the sometimes misplaced but well-meaning devotion of pet owners.
Character Sketches: A Triumph of Surgery
Mr. Herriot
Mr. Herriot is a practical and compassionate veterinary surgeon. He shows genuine concern for animals and can be firm with pet owners when necessary. Herriot is clever in his approach, treating Tricki through lifestyle changes rather than medical interventions. He displays patience with Mrs. Pumphrey’s emotional attachment to Tricki while maintaining his professional judgment. Herriot also has a good sense of humor and can appreciate the small luxuries that come his way during Tricki’s treatment.
Mrs. Pumphrey
Mrs. Pumphrey is Tricki’s wealthy and overly devoted owner. She tends to anthropomorphize Tricki, treating him more like a child than a dog. While well-meaning, she is misguided in her care, often overindulging Tricki with treats and comforts. Mrs. Pumphrey is anxious about Tricki’s health and prone to overreaction. Her generosity is evident in the luxury items she sends for Tricki’s “recovery.” Despite her misguided approach, she is a loving owner who is deeply grateful when Tricki recovers.
Tricki
Tricki is a small dog who becomes overweight and unhealthy due to overfeeding and lack of exercise. He has a greedy nature, never refusing food. Initially lethargic and sickly, Tricki undergoes a remarkable transformation when placed in Mr. Herriot’s care. He proves to be adaptable, quickly adjusting to life with other dogs and embracing a more active lifestyle. By the end of the story, Tricki has become energetic and playful, demonstrating the positive effects of proper diet and exercise. Throughout his ordeal, he maintains an affectionate disposition, especially towards Mrs. Pumphrey.
Difficult Words and Their Meanings
1. Listless – lacking energy or enthusiasm
2. Malnutrition – lack of proper nutrition
3. Lumbago – pain in the lower back
4. Distraught – extremely worried, upset, or distressed
5. Swooned – fainted or nearly fainted
6. Wailings – loud, mournful cries or sounds
7. Engulfed – surrounded or overwhelmed completely
8. Scrimmages – confused or disorderly struggles
9. Convalescing – recovering from an illness or medical treatment
10. Bulletins – short official statements or news reports
11. Reverently – with deep respect or admiration
12. Lithe – thin, supple, and graceful
13. Rheumy – watery or discharged from the eyes or nose
14. Lolled – hung loosely or lazily
15. Relent – soften in attitude or temper
16. Tottering – moving in an unsteady way
17. Despairing – feeling or showing loss of hope
18. Pathetic – arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness
19. Whimper – make a low, feeble sound expressive of pain, fear, or unhappiness
20. Slopped – spilled or poured carelessly
21. Jostling – pushing, elbowing, or bumping against someone roughly
22. Dodged – avoided (a question or issue) in a cunning or dishonest way
23. Ceremonial – relating to or used for formal events of a religious or public nature
24. Gleaming – shining brightly, especially with reflected light
25. Hurtling – moving or causing to move at high speed, typically in an uncontrolled manner
26. Bloated – swollen with fluid or gas
27. Hastened – moved or acted quickly
28. Pampered – indulged with every attention, comfort, and luxury
29. Drooping – hanging or bending downward
30. Panting – breathing quickly in short breaths
31. Pine – suffer a decline, especially due to longing or deprivation
32. Wag – move or cause to move rapidly to and fro
33. Surge – move suddenly and powerfully forward or upward
34. Bowled over – knocked over or greatly surprised
35. Tramped – walked heavily or noisily
36. Squashed – crushed or squeezed with force
37. Inhaled – breathed in
38. Trembled – shook or quivered slightly
39. Clasped – held tightly or firmly
READ AND FIND OUT
1. Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he has become extremely overweight and lethargic. She notices that he seems to have no energy, his eyes are bloodshot and rheumy, and his tongue lolls from his jaws. She mistakenly believes he is suffering from malnutrition.
2. What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
To help Tricki, Mrs Pumphrey:
– Gives him “extras” between meals, including malt, cod-liver oil, and Horlicks
– Feeds him cream cakes and chocolates
– Reduces his exercise due to the gardener’s illness
She is not wise in these actions. Instead of helping Tricki, she is actually making his condition worse by overfeeding him and not providing enough exercise. Her misguided attempts to help are causing Tricki’s health to deteriorate.
3. Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
In this story, ‘I’ refers to Mr. Herriot, the veterinary surgeon. He is the narrator of the story and the one who eventually takes Tricki in for treatment. Mr. Herriot observes Tricki’s condition, advises Mrs Pumphrey, and ultimately helps the dog recover through proper diet and exercise at his surgery.
READ AND FIND OUT
1. Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
No, the narrator (Mr. Herriot) is not as rich as Mrs. Pumphrey, Tricki’s mistress. This is evident from the contrast in their lifestyles. Mrs. Pumphrey is described as having a chauffeur, sending expensive food and drinks, and owning a dog with a full wardrobe. The narrator, on the other hand, is a working veterinarian who seems impressed by these luxuries.
2. How does he treat the dog?
The narrator treats Tricki with proper veterinary care. He:
– Takes Tricki away from his overly indulgent environment
– Puts him on a strict diet (no food for two days, only water)
– Allows him to exercise and play with other dogs
– Gradually reintroduces food
– Monitors his progress without any medicinal treatment
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 drinks Mrs. Pumphrey sends for Tricki’s “recovery.” These include fresh eggs, wine, and brandy, which the narrator and his colleagues enjoy. He humorously suggests that Tricki’s presence has improved their own quality of life.
4. Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Mrs. Pumphrey believes Tricki’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery” because she misunderstands the treatment. She assumes that some complex medical procedure was performed to cure Tricki. In reality, the dog simply benefited from a proper diet and exercise regimen. Mrs. Pumphrey’s exclamation shows her dramatic nature and her lack of understanding about what her dog really needed, which was a healthier lifestyle rather than medical intervention.
Think about it
Q1. 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 (Mr. Herriot) appears to be:
– Tactful: He handles Mrs. Pumphrey’s anxiety and overindulgence of Tricki with patience and diplomacy.
– Full of common sense: He recognizes that Tricki’s problems stem from overfeeding and lack of exercise, and he implements a simple, effective solution.
– Professional: He prioritizes the dog’s health over Mrs. Pumphrey’s feelings or his own potential gains.
– Compassionate: He shows genuine concern for both Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey’s well-being.
– Humorous: He sees the funny side of the situation, especially regarding the luxurious food and drink sent for Tricki.
Q2. Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Tricki seems happy to see Mrs. Pumphrey again, as evidenced by his enthusiastic greeting. However, he had also clearly enjoyed his time at the surgery, playing with other dogs and becoming more active.
As for what might happen next:
– Tricki might initially maintain his improved health and energy levels.
– There’s a risk that Mrs. Pumphrey might slowly revert to her old habits of overfeeding and under-exercising Tricki.
– The experience might have taught Mrs. Pumphrey the importance of a proper diet and exercise, leading to long-term improvements in Tricki’s lifestyle.
– Mr. Herriot may need to monitor the situation and provide ongoing advice to Mrs. Pumphrey.
Q3. Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?
This story likely contains elements of both real-life experience and fiction:
– It’s based on James Herriot’s (the author’s pen name) experiences as a veterinary surgeon in Yorkshire, England.
– The basic situation of an overfed, under-exercised pet is common and realistic.
– Some details may be exaggerated for comedic effect (like the extent of Mrs. Pumphrey’s indulgence).
– Characters like Mrs. Pumphrey might be composites of various clients the author encountered.
Overall, it’s probably best described as a fictionalized account based on real-life experiences, combining truth and storytelling to create an entertaining and insightful narrative about pet care and human nature.
Talk about it
Q1. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?
While Mrs. Pumphrey’s behavior might seem merely silly, such actions can indeed cause harm:
– To pets: Overfeeding and lack of exercise can seriously harm an animal’s health.
– To staff: Unreasonable demands can create a stressful work environment.
– To society: Excessive indulgence can set poor examples and reinforce unhealthy attitudes about consumption and animal care.
– To themselves: Such behavior can lead to social isolation and loss of perspective.
Q2. Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Yes, there are certainly parents who exhibit similar behavior with their children:
– Overindulgence: Giving children everything they want without limits.
– Misguided care: Thinking that material goods equate to love and proper care.
– Lack of discipline: Failing to set boundaries or teach self-control.
– Projection: Using children as a means to fulfill their own emotional needs.
This parenting style can lead to children who struggle with self-discipline, have unrealistic expectations, or face health issues due to poor habits.
Q3. What would you have done if you were:
(i) a member of the staff in Mrs. Pumphrey’s household
– Try to gently educate Mrs. Pumphrey about proper pet care.
– Suggest healthier alternatives for treats and activities.
– Ensure Tricki gets exercise when possible.
– Seek advice from a vet if concerned about the dog’s health.
(ii) a neighbour
– Offer to walk Tricki or invite him to play with your own pets.
– Engage Mrs. Pumphrey in conversations about general pet health.
– If the situation seemed severe, consider speaking with a vet or animal welfare organization.
Q4. What would you have done if you were in the narrator’s place?
If in the narrator’s place:
– Clearly explain the health risks of overfeeding and lack of exercise.
– Provide a written care plan for Tricki, including diet and exercise guidelines.
– Suggest alternative ways for Mrs. Pumphrey to show affection to Tricki.
– Schedule regular check-ups to monitor Tricki’s progress.
– Consider offering a pet nutrition and care class for clients.
– If necessary, be firm about the need for intervention, as the narrator did by taking Tricki to the surgery.
The key would be balancing professional responsibility with empathy for both the pet and the owner.