CBSE Class 10 English Footprints NCERT Solutions: The Hack Driver

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter, 'The Hack Driver' from the CBSE Class 10 English (Footprints) textbook, presents a narrative about a lawyer's visit to New Mullion to serve a summons on a witness named Oliver Lutkins. The provided NCERT Solutions offer detailed answers to the questions based on the text. The solutions explore the lawyer's initial perceptions of the town, his encounter with a friendly hack driver named Bill (who is actually Lutkins himself), and the elaborate deception orchestrated by Lutkins. Students will understand Lutkins's cunning nature, his ability to manipulate situations, and the reasons behind his evasion. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story, analyze character motivations, and prepare effectively for their examinations by providing clear and concise explanations of the plot and its underlying themes.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectFootprints
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter8. The Hack Driver

Chapter summary

Chapter 8, 'The Hack Driver,' focuses on a lawyer's unsuccessful attempt to serve a summons on Oliver Lutkins in New Mullion. The NCERT Solutions cover the lawyer's interactions with a hack driver named Bill, who skillfully deceives him throughout the day, preventing him from finding Lutkins. The solutions address the lawyer's naivety, Bill's cleverness, and the reactions of the villagers. Key aspects include understanding Lutkins's character, the plot of deception, and the irony of the situation.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the plot of 'The Hack Driver' and the lawyer's mission.
  • Analyze the character of Oliver Lutkins and his deceptive tactics.
  • Identify the role of the hack driver, Bill, in the story.
  • Explain the lawyer's initial impressions of New Mullion.
  • Discuss the theme of deception and trust in the narrative.
  • Interpret the interactions between the lawyer and the villagers.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Lawyer's Mission
  • New Mullion Village
  • Oliver Lutkins
  • Bill the Hack Driver
  • Deception and Evasion
  • Character Analysis
  • Plot Summary
  • Villagers' Role
  • Irony in the Story
  • Serving Summons

Important topics

  • Oliver Lutkins's Deception
  • Bill's Role and True Identity
  • The Lawyer's Naivety
  • The Narrative's Irony
  • Understanding Character Motivation

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out - Question 1

Why is the lawyer sent to New Mullion? What does he first think about the place?
Solution: The lawyer is dispatched to New Mullion with the specific purpose of serving legal summons on a man named Oliver Lutkins. Lutkins is required to appear as a witness in an upcoming court case. Upon his arrival, the lawyer anticipates New Mullion to be a quaint and peaceful rural village, a stark contrast to the bustling city life he is accustomed to.

Read and Find Out - Question 2

Who befriends him? Where does he take him?
Solution: Shortly after arriving, the lawyer is approached and befriended by a friendly delivery man who introduces himself as Bill. Bill claims to know Oliver Lutkins well and offers his assistance in locating him. Bill then takes the lawyer on a tour of the village, visiting various places where Lutkins was known to frequent, such as Fritz's shop for poker games, Gustaff's and Gray's barber shops, and the local poolroom. Their search eventually leads them to Lutkins's mother's farm, but despite these efforts, they are unable to find Oliver Lutkins.

Read and Find Out - Question 3

What does he say about Lutkins?
Solution: Bill describes Lutkins as a rather elusive and clever individual, making him difficult to apprehend. He mentions that Lutkins is known for being involved in various schemes and owes money to many people, including himself, without ever repaying anyone. Bill also notes that Lutkins is an avid poker player and possesses a talent for tricking or deceiving others.

Read and Find Out - Question 4

What more does Bill say about Lutkins and his family?
Solution: Bill further elaborates on Lutkins's family, particularly his mother, whom he describes as a formidable and intimidating woman. He recounts an incident where she became furious when he didn't handle a trunk carefully, nearly causing him trouble. Bill mentions she is tall, stout, quick-witted, and talkative. He speculates that Oliver might be hiding at his mother's place, having likely heard that someone was searching for him.

Read and Find Out - Question 5

Does the narrator serve the summons that day?
Solution: No, the narrator, the lawyer, is unsuccessful in serving the summons on Oliver Lutkins on that particular day.

Think about It - Question 1

When the lawyer reached New Mullion, did 'Bill' know that he was looking for Lutkins? When do you think Bill came up with his plan of fooling the lawyer?
Solution: Yes, it is highly probable that 'Bill' knew the lawyer was looking for Lutkins as soon as they met. Lutkins, being a cunning person, likely recognized the lawyer or understood his purpose from his questions. Bill's immediate offer to help find Lutkins and his subsequent actions suggest he quickly devised a plan to deceive the lawyer. The elaborate charade of searching the village indicates that the plan was formed almost instantly upon realizing the lawyer's identity and mission, as this seems to be his habitual way of dealing with such situations.

Think about It - Question 2

Lutkins openly takes the lawyer all over the village. How is it that no one lets out the secret? (Hint: Notice that the hack driver asks the lawyer to keep out of sight behind him when they go into Fritz's.) Can you find other such subtle ways in which Lutkins manipulates the tour?
Solution: Lutkins, disguised as Bill, manipulates the tour and keeps the secret by ensuring the lawyer never actually sees him. He uses subtle tactics like asking the lawyer to wait outside or stay hidden, claiming Lutkins is just about to arrive or has just left. For instance, at Fritz's, he asks the lawyer to stay out of sight, likely to prevent him from recognizing Lutkins. He also invents stories about Lutkins's unpredictable nature and his intimidating mother to deter the lawyer and keep him occupied. The villagers, being aware of the situation, likely cooperate with Lutkins by not revealing his identity or whereabouts, thus aiding his evasion.

Think about It - Question 3

Why do you think Lutkins's neighbours were anxious to meet the lawyer?
Solution: The neighbours were likely anxious to meet the lawyer not out of genuine concern or curiosity about the legal matter, but perhaps out of a sense of community solidarity with Lutkins, or possibly amusement at the lawyer's predicament. They might have wanted to see the 'outsider' who was being so easily fooled by one of their own. Their eagerness could also stem from a desire to ensure Lutkins's plan succeeded and that the lawyer did not uncover the truth, thereby protecting their fellow villager.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking Bill for a genuinely helpful character.
  • Underestimating Lutkins's cunning and manipulative abilities.
  • Failing to recognize the irony of the lawyer being fooled by the very person he seeks.
  • Not understanding the villagers' complicity in Lutkins's deception.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story carefully, paying attention to the lawyer's observations.
  • Create a character sketch for Oliver Lutkins, highlighting his traits.
  • Summarize the day's events from the lawyer's perspective and then from Lutkins's.
  • Discuss the ending with classmates to understand the lawyer's realization.
  • Focus on the dialogue between the lawyer and Bill to spot clues of deception.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Why was the lawyer sent to New Mullion?

Q2. What was the lawyer's initial impression of New Mullion?

Q3. Who befriends the lawyer upon his arrival?

Q4. What is revealed about the hack driver's true identity?

Q5. How does Bill (Lutkins) manage to fool the lawyer all day?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main plot of 'The Hack Driver'?

The story follows a lawyer sent to New Mullion to serve a summons on Oliver Lutkins. He hires a hack driver named Bill, who is actually Lutkins himself, and is cleverly deceived throughout the day, failing to serve the summons.

Who is Oliver Lutkins?

Oliver Lutkins is the person the lawyer is trying to find to serve a summons. He is portrayed as a cunning and evasive individual who deceives the lawyer by posing as a hack driver named Bill.

Why does Bill (Lutkins) fool the lawyer?

Bill, who is Oliver Lutkins, fools the lawyer to avoid being served the summons. He doesn't want to be a witness in the law case and uses his wit and the help of the villagers to evade the lawyer.

What does the story reveal about the villagers of New Mullion?

The story suggests that the villagers of New Mullion are aware of Lutkins's identity and are complicit in his deception. They play along with Bill's charade, helping him to keep the lawyer from finding Lutkins.

What is the significance of the lawyer's visit to New Mullion?

The lawyer's visit highlights themes of deception, trust, and the contrast between urban sophistication and rural cunning. It shows how easily one can be fooled by appearances and a well-crafted lie.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's questions, helping students understand the story's plot, analyze characters like Lutkins and the lawyer, and grasp the underlying themes for their exams.

Important links

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