Answer in about 100-120 words : In the story, 'A Triumph of Surgery', a wealthy woman's nonsensical behaviour, is depicted. Do you think such individuals are merely displaying foolishness or could their actions potentially, inflict harm upon others ? Support your answer from the text.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:10 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In A Triumph of Surgery, Mrs Pumphrey's behaviour goes beyond mere foolishness — it actively harms Tricki. She overfeeds him with malt, cod-liver oil, and cream cakes, and buys him coats, cushions, and toys, thinking she is showing love. However, this indulgence turns Tricki into a "fat, bloated" dog who collapses and becomes seriously ill, unable even to exercise.
Her actions prove that excessive, misguided affection can cause real harm. Tricki needed discipline, not pampering. Only when Mr Herriot takes him away and gives him a proper diet and exercise does the dog recover — transformed into a "lithe, hard-muscled animal" in just two weeks.
Thus, such individuals are not merely silly; their thoughtless indulgence can endanger the health and well-being of those dependent on them.
Source: A Triumph of Surgery, Chapter 1
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Explanation
- The examiner wants you to take a clear stand: not just silly, but potentially harmful.
- Support with textual evidence: overfeeding (malt, cod-liver oil, cream cakes), buying unnecessary accessories, and the result — Tricki falls gravely ill.
- Contrast with the outcome under Herriot's care to show that proper treatment (not pampering) led to recovery.
- Avoid retelling the whole story; pick 2–3 sharp examples and link them to the central argument.
- The phrase "triumph of surgery" is ironic — no surgery was performed; the cure was simply correct diet and exercise.