CBSE Class 10 English NCERT Solutions: A Question of Trust

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This set of NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 10 English, Chapter 4, "A Question of Trust," delves into the intricate story of Horace Danby, a meticulous thief with a passion for rare books. The solutions provide detailed answers to the "Read and Find Out," "Think About It," and "Understand the Story" sections, exploring Horace's motivations, his meticulous planning, and his ultimate downfall. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the characters, the plot twists, and the subtle deceptions employed. These solutions are designed to help students analyze the narrative, comprehend the characters' actions, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by clarifying complex plot points and character analyses.

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Quick info

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

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English, Chapter 4, "A Question of Trust," offers a detailed exploration of Horace Danby's character and his ill-fated attempt to steal jewels. The solutions cover his motivations for stealing, his meticulous planning, and the critical errors that led to his capture. They also analyze the deceptive tactics of the lady of the house and Horace's inability to perceive the truth. This chapter's exercises focus on comprehension, character analysis, and understanding the nuances of deception and trust.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand Horace Danby's character and his motivations for stealing.
  • Analyze the plot of "A Question of Trust" and identify key turning points.
  • Explain the deceptive methods used by the lady in the story.
  • Evaluate Horace Danby's planning and identify his critical mistakes.
  • Differentiate between Horace Danby and a typical thief.
  • Comprehend the theme of trust and deception in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Horace Danby's character and motivations
  • The art of meticulous planning
  • Deception and trickery
  • The role of the lady in the story
  • Horace's critical errors
  • Analysis of a thief's character
  • Themes of trust and honesty
  • Plot comprehension of "A Question of Trust"

Important topics

  • Character analysis of Horace Danby
  • The lady's deceptive tactics
  • Horace's planning and mistakes
  • Understanding the plot twists
  • Themes of trust and honesty

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1.

What does Horace Danby like to collect?
Solution: Horace Danby had a passion for collecting rare and expensive books. This hobby was a significant part of his life and influenced his actions throughout the story.

Question 2.

Why does he steal every year?
Solution: Horace Danby stole every year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare books. He meticulously planned each theft to ensure he acquired enough money to last him for the entire year, allowing him to indulge in his passion without interruption.

Question 3.

Who is speaking to Horace Danby?
Solution: The person speaking to Horace Danby is a young, pretty lady dressed in red. She is standing in the doorway and pretends to be a member of the family living at Shotover Grange, claiming she arrived just in time to prevent a robbery.

Question 4.

Who is the real culprit in the story?
Solution: The real culprit in the story is the woman who posed as the lady of the house. She cleverly deceived Horace Danby, tricked him into believing her story, and then took advantage of the situation to steal the jewels herself.

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 realise this, and how?
Solution: Yes, a suspicion about the lady's true identity can arise before the story's conclusion. Initially, her unusual calmness upon seeing Horace might seem strange. More significantly, her failure to call the police and her subsequent request for Horace to open the safe, even if it meant breaking it, raises suspicion. It also seems unlikely that the actual lady of the house would forget the safe's combination. These factors suggest that she might not be who she claims to be.

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, her apparent familiarity with the household dog (Sherry), her casual act of touching up her makeup, and the ease with which she retrieves a cigarette all contribute to her convincing act. Horace doesn't suspect anything because he is overwhelmed by fear. His panic prevents him from thinking clearly and critically evaluating the situation or the lady's behavior.

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 categorised as a typical thief?
Solution: This description is apt for Horace because, despite his criminal act of theft, he possessed qualities not usually associated with thieves. He was fond of reading rare books and planned his thefts meticulously to steal only once a year, just enough to sustain himself. This suggests he wasn't driven by greed or malice but by a specific desire. He cannot be categorized as a typical thief because he was not a habitual offender and maintained a semblance of respectability in his lifestyle, apart from his annual crime.

Question 4.

Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
Solution: Horace Danby faltered because he failed to gather complete information about the actual residents of the house. While he was smart enough to learn the dog's real name, he overlooked crucial details about the people living there. His meticulous planning focused on the house's layout and valuables, but his overconfidence and fear when confronted by the lady led to carelessness. Specifically, he made the critical error of opening the safe without wearing gloves, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the lady's true identity and role in the story.
  • Underestimating the importance of thorough information gathering.
  • Overlooking subtle clues that indicate deception.
  • Failing to recognize Horace's character as complex rather than purely criminal.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story, paying close attention to the lady's dialogue and actions.
  • Create a timeline of events to understand Horace's planning and mistakes.
  • Discuss Horace's character with classmates to explore different interpretations.
  • Focus on the "Think About It" questions to deepen analytical skills.
  • Summarize the main plot points and character motivations in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Horace Danby's primary hobby that led him to steal?

Q2. How often did Horace Danby typically steal?

Q3. Who spoke to Horace Danby when he was inside the Shotover Grange safe room?

Q4. What did the lady ask Horace Danby to do?

Q5. What was Horace Danby's critical mistake that led to his capture?

Frequently asked questions

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

The main theme revolves around deception, trust, and the consequences of one's actions. It explores how appearances can be deceiving and how even meticulous planning can fail due to unforeseen circumstances or critical errors.

Why is Horace Danby considered "good and respectable – but not completely honest"?

Horace is described this way because he had respectable hobbies like collecting rare books and only stole once a year to meet his needs, unlike typical thieves who are habitual offenders. However, stealing itself is dishonest.

What was the most significant mistake Horace Danby made?

His most significant mistake was forgetting to wear gloves while opening the safe. This oversight led to him leaving fingerprints, which directly resulted in his capture by the police.

How did the lady deceive Horace Danby?

The lady used subtle methods, including acting familiar with the house and its dog, touching up her makeup confidently, and speaking casually. Her calm demeanor and lack of alarm made Horace believe she was the lady of the house.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to all questions, helping students understand the story's plot, characters, and themes. They offer insights into character analysis and critical thinking, aiding in exam preparation.

Important links

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