A Triumph of Surgery

Author: James Herriot

Used his many

series of books
James Alfred British years of
3 October 1916 consisting of
James Wight- veterinary experience as a
– 23 February stories about
pen name- surgeon and veterinary
1995 animals and
Herriot writer surgeon to write
their owners.
a
 Summary

James
meets Mrs Mrs The
Mrs
Pumphrey Pumphrey Tricki’s Tricki’s triumph of
Pumphrey
and ’s hospitalisa stay and surgery-
’s concern
enquires expected tion recovery Tricki gets
and calls
about call better
Tricki
Important Phrases

Thirty
a n eye on gleam feet of
I kept im ing bla
h metal ck
Co
n ’t a nv
a ve you rap ales
o u h in i dl c i n
y g
Y i ck
k
e
lin

mu
Lit led a
firm

sc
he, nim
har al
a
ok

d-
I to
 Characters: Dr James Herriot

Veterinary Capable
Wise Animal lover Farsighted Practical Firm Caring Concerned Loving
surgeon doctor
Character: Mrs Pumphrey

Generous: showing a
readiness to give more of
Wealthy woman something, especially Protective Sentimental
money, than is strictly
necessary or expected.

Indulgent Concerned Loving

Character: Tricki

Pet dog of a rich

lady, Ms.
Pumphrey

Changes
completely in
Dashund
the course of the
story

Adores and
loves Mrs Loves food
Pumphrey
Theme

The importance of
taking right decisions in
life

Downside of Importance of good

overindulgence and over health in life
pampering
Value Learnt/Message

Over-indulgence and
Blind love can be Excess of everything is
excess is detrimental to
dangerous. bad.
health.
Compare and contrast Tricki in the beginning and in the
end of the story.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS

 In what way was Mrs. Pumphrey like a parent blinded by love for her child? How
can such love be counterproductive?
 Tricki is a victim of overindulgence.Comment.
 How can you tell Mrs Pumphrey is a rich lady?
 Give the aptness of the Title “ A Triumph of Surgery”
Formal Letter

All over the world, millions of people still live below the poverty line. Is
it justified to overindulge your pets? Keeping in mind the visual and
verbal inputs, express your opinion through a letter to the editor of a
leading newspaper.