CBSE Class 10 English Footprints NCERT Solutions: A Question of Trust

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

CBSE Class 10 English Footprints chapter "A Question of Trust" introduces Horace Danby, a man with a passion for rare books and a penchant for burglary to finance his hobby. He meticulously plans his heists, but his latest attempt at Shotover Grange takes an unexpected turn. There, he encounters a woman who cleverly deceives him, posing as the owner's wife and manipulating him into helping her steal the jewels. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter explore Horace's character, his motivations for stealing, the intricate planning involved, and how he is ultimately outsmarted by the woman. The solutions also highlight the themes of trust, deception, and the irony of Horace's situation, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the story's plot and its underlying messages to aid in their studies.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectFootprints
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter4. A Question of Trust

Chapter summary

Chapter 4, 'A Question of Trust,' from the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints series, is explored through these NCERT Solutions. The solutions cover Horace Danby's dual nature as a respectable locksmith with a secret life of thievery to support his rare book collection. They analyze his meticulous planning, his fateful encounter with a deceptive woman, and the reasons for his eventual downfall. The exercises focus on character comprehension, plot analysis, and understanding the subtle elements of deception within the narrative.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the character of Horace Danby and his motivations.
  • Analyze the plot of 'A Question of Trust' and its key events.
  • Identify the elements of deception and trust in the story.
  • Explain the reasons behind Horace Danby's failure despite his planning.
  • Comprehend the subtle ways the lady manipulates Horace.
  • Discuss the theme of honesty and respectability in the context of the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Horace Danby's character and motivations
  • The art of deception
  • Meticulous planning vs. unforeseen circumstances
  • The theme of trust
  • Character analysis of Horace and the lady
  • Plot summary and key events
  • Subtle manipulation techniques
  • The concept of respectability and honesty

Important topics

  • Character analysis of Horace Danby
  • The lady's deceptive tactics
  • Reasons for Horace's failure
  • Themes of trust and deception
  • Plot progression and turning points

PDF preview

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out - Question 1

What does Horace Danby like to collect?
Solution: Horace Danby had a peculiar passion for collecting rare and expensive books. This hobby was the driving force behind his actions, leading him to plan and execute burglaries.

Read and Find Out - Question 2

Why does he steal every year?
Solution: Horace Danby stole every year primarily to finance his expensive hobby of collecting rare books. He meticulously planned each burglary to ensure he stole enough money to last him for twelve months, allowing him to secretly purchase the books he desired through an agent.

Read and Find Out - Question 1

Who is speaking to Horace Danby?
Solution: The person speaking to Horace Danby is a young, pretty lady dressed in red, who appears unexpectedly in the doorway. She claims she arrived just in time to prevent a robbery, pretending to be a member of the family residing at Shotover Grange.

Read and Find Out - Question 2

Who is the real culprit in the story?
Solution: The real culprit in the story is the woman who posed as a member of the family living at Shotover Grange. She cleverly deceived Horace, tricked him into believing her story, and ultimately took possession of all the jewels that were stored in the safe.

Think about It - Question 1

Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realize this, and how?
Solution: Yes, a reader can begin to suspect that the lady was not who Horace believed her to be. This suspicion might arise when she shows unusual calmness upon encountering Horace, which is not a typical reaction to finding a burglar. Furthermore, her subsequent actions, such as not calling the police and instead asking Horace to open the safe for her, and her feigned forgetfulness of the safe's combination, raise significant doubts about her identity and intentions.

Think about It - Question 2

What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn't Horace suspect that something is wrong?
Solution: The lady employs several subtle tactics to deceive Horace. Her confident demeanor, the way she casually touches up her makeup, and her ease in locating and picking up a cigarette all contribute to her convincing act. Horace doesn't suspect anything because he is overwhelmed by fear and surprise at her unexpected presence. This fear clouds his judgment, preventing him from thinking critically about her behavior and the situation.

Think about It - Question 3

"Horace Danby was good and respectable – but not completely honest". Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can't he be categorized as a typical thief?
Solution: This description is apt for Horace Danby because, despite being a locksmith with his own business and a house, he engages in theft. He is around fifty years old and targets only the wealthy. His motive for stealing is not for basic needs but solely to indulge his passion for rare and expensive books. This specific, limited motive and his careful planning (stealing only once a year) differentiate him from a typical thief who might steal out of desperation, for sustenance, or as a habitual criminal. His intention to use the stolen money for books, while a noble pursuit in itself, is still achieved through dishonest means, making the description "good and respectable – but not completely honest" fitting.

Think about It - Question 4

Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
Solution: Horace Danby, despite his careful planning, faltered because he failed to gather complete information about the actual occupants of the house he intended to rob. While he was smart enough to research details like the house's layout, wiring, and the location of valuables, and even knew the dog's real name, he overlooked the critical step of identifying every person living there. His focus on the physical aspects of the burglary led him to underestimate the human element, specifically the presence and cunning of the lady who turned out to be the real thief.

Common mistakes

  • Underestimating the deceptive capabilities of the lady.
  • Focusing solely on Horace's planning without considering his overconfidence.
  • Misinterpreting Horace's character as purely a victim.
  • Failing to recognize the lady as the actual culprit and mastermind.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story, paying close attention to the lady's dialogue and actions.
  • Create a timeline of events to understand the sequence of Horace's actions and the lady's deception.
  • List the specific details Horace gathered about the house and contrast them with what he missed.
  • Discuss with peers the moral ambiguity of Horace's character and the lady's actions.
  • Summarize the key turning points in the story where Horace's plan begins to unravel.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Horace Danby's primary hobby that he funded through theft?

Q2. How often did Horace Danby typically commit a burglary?

Q3. Who did Horace Danby encounter at Shotover Grange?

Q4. What was the lady's initial reaction to seeing Horace?

Q5. Why did Horace Danby not suspect the lady?

Q6. Who is revealed to be the real culprit in the story?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the story 'A Question of Trust'?

The main themes of 'A Question of Trust' revolve around deception, trust, and the complexities of human character. It explores how appearances can be deceiving and how even meticulous planners can falter due to unforeseen circumstances or misjudgments.

Who is Horace Danby and why does he steal?

Horace Danby is a locksmith who is also a thief. He steals once a year to fund his passion for collecting rare and expensive books. He is described as respectable and good, but not completely honest because his means of funding his hobby are illegal.

How does the lady in the story deceive Horace?

The lady deceives Horace by pretending to be the lady of the house. She acts calm, touches up her makeup, and speaks confidently. She then manipulates Horace into believing she has forgotten the safe combination, convincing him to open it for her.

Why did Horace Danby fail in his plan?

Horace Danby failed because he overlooked crucial details, such as identifying all the occupants of the house. He was so focused on the physical aspects of the burglary that he was easily tricked by the lady, who was the actual mastermind.

Is Horace Danby a typical thief?

No, Horace Danby is not a typical thief. He steals only once a year, targets only the rich, and uses the money solely to buy books. He is also a successful businessman and does not harm anyone, distinguishing him from common criminals.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question related to 'A Question of Trust'. They help students understand character motivations, plot intricacies, and thematic elements, which is crucial for answering comprehension and analytical questions in exams.

Important links

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