Revision Notes

Class - X
Subject - English

First Flight
Chapter 1- A Letter to God
Revision Notes

Chapter Sketch
The story recounts the hard life and extreme faith in God of a poor farmer (Lencho) who has lost
his crop due to heavy rain and hailstones. It was the only source of income to fulfil his family’s
desires. He firmly believes that God will help him in such a situation and would not let him and
his family die due to hunger. He writes a letter to God to seek help. Some kind employees of the
post office helped him. So, the story tells us to have faith in God and never lose hope in adverse
situations.

About the Characters

Lencho - A poor farmer who lives on the crest of a low hill with his family. He was a firm believer
of God. He is innocent, hopeful, caring and responsible.
Postmaster - A fat, amiable fellow who helped Lencho to retain his faith in God. He gave a part
of his salary in the charity for Lencho on behalf of God.
Post Office Employees People who helped Lencho on postmaster’s call. They laughed at
Lencho when they saw the letter but helped him in his need. Lencho called them a bunch of
crooks.

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Lencho’s Hope of Good Harvest

Lencho was a farmer who lived on the crest of a low hill with his family. His was the only house
in the entire valley. His field was full of ripe corn and easily visible from the house. He was
eagerly waiting for a good rain to have a good harvest so he could earn money for his family.

Turning of Lencho’s Hope into Despair

As Lencho hoped, it started raining at the time of supper which gave Lencho a ray of hope. He
was extremely happy to see that. He compared the raindrops as silver coins which shows his
joy.
But soon his joy turned into despair as the rain changed into hailstones which ruined the crops.
The field had been covered with snow like a layer of white salt. Lencho was worried for his
family.

Lencho’s Firm Belief in God

Though Lencho was a poor farmer and had lost all his crops, he had firm faith in God. He found
in God his last hope and decided to write a letter to God for help. He asked God to send him a
hundred pesos so that he can sow his field again and support his family until the new crops
were harvested.
He also wrote that if God didn’t help him, his family would die with hunger.

The Postmaster’s Reaction to Lencho’s Letter

After reading Lencho’s letter to God, the postmaster laughed but soon realised that Lencho had
firm faith in God and his belief should not be shaken. So, he decided to help Lencho with the
help of his post office employees. He collected seventy pesos and handed the envelope to
Lencho himself in which he also contributed a part of his salary.

Lencho Gets Angry at Receiving Less Money

Lencho became angry when he saw seventy pesos in the envelope as he demanded a hundred
pesos. He did not believe that God could do so and send L n less money. So, he decided to write
a letter again for the rest of money. This time he requested God not to send the rest of the
money through the letter because he thought that the post office employees were ‘bunch of
crooks’ who might have stolen his money.

Chapter Highlights

 Lencho’s hope of good rain to have a good crops.

 It rains but the rain soon changes into hailstones.
 Lencho has firm faith in God.
 Lencho writes a letter to God to help him.
 Lencho asks God to send him hundred pesos.
 Postmaster and other employees laugh at Lencho’s letter to God.
 Postmaster decides to help Lencho in his problem.
 Postmaster wants every employee to help in this noble deed.
 Postmaster collects seventy pesos and gives the envelope to Lencho himself.
 Lencho gets angry after getting seventy pesos amount as he had asked for hundred
pesos.
 Lencho calls the employees of post office a ‘bunch of crooks’ as he thinks that they have
stolen the rest of amount.
 Lencho again writes a letter to God to send him rest of the money.
 Lencho has firm faith in the magnanimity of God; and God never betrays the trust of a
believer.

Metaphors used in the story

OBJECT METAPHOR QUALITY OR FEATURE COMPARED

CLOUD Huge mountains of clouds The mass or ‘hugeness’ of mountains

RAINDROPS New coins The draping or covering of an area by a

curtain

HAILSTONES New silver coins /frozen pearls The resemblance in colour and hardness
to a pearl

LOCUSTS A plague of locusts An epidemic (a disease) that spreads very

rapidly and leaves many people dead

MAN (LENCHO) An ox of a man The working of an ox in the fields (hard

work)
First Flight
Chapter 2- A Long walk to Freedom
Revision Notes

Chapter Sketch
This chapter has been taken from Nelson Mandela’s book of the same name ‘Nelson Mandela :
A Long Walk to Freedom’. It provides us a glimpse of the early life of Nelson Mandela, his
education, 30 years in prison and the pains he had suffered in his young age. The chapter
recounts his fight for the freedom for his own people who were tortured by whites.
In the chapter Mandela gives two contradictory pictures of his own country-one, in which the
blacks were tortured and suffered quietly and second, the blacks will be free to live the life of
their own.

About the Characters

Nelson Mandela First black President of South Africa who fought for the equal rights of the
black. He suffered a lot of pain for the freedom.
Zenani Daughter of Nelson Mandela who accompanied Mandela in his inauguration day. She
was very much close to him.
Thabo Mbeki First Deputy President of South Africa who was very close to Mandela.
Mr. Deklerk Second Deputy President of South Africa

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

The Inauguration
It was 10th May the day of oath with a bright and shiny sun. Nelson Mandela was supposed to
take oath as the first black President of South Africa. A large number of leaders all from around
the world had gathered there to be the witness of the swearing-in ceremony of Nelson Mandela
as the first black President. The inauguration ceremony took place in a big open building in
Pretoria where the first democratic non-racial government was to be installed.

The Swearing-In Ceremony of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani. Mr Deklerk was the first person who
took oath as secpnd Deputy President followed by Mr Thabo Mbeki who sweared as the first
Deputy President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela was the last person who sweared as the first
black President of South Africa. He pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote
himself to the well-being of the people. He also promised to make the nation free from poverty,
deprivation, suffering and all sort of discrimination.

Display of the Military Power by South African Jets

When Mandela had taken oath, South African jets displayed the military power. It also showed
the loyalty of military to democracy. The highest military generals saluted him. He recounted
that they would have arrested him many years before.
It was followed by the playing of two national anthems. The whites’sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ the old
song and the blacks sang ‘Die Stem’ the new song which marked the end of the ceremony.

Apartheid and South Africa

l Nelson Mandela reminiscences about days gone by which will soon be the part of history
where the whites had formed a system of racial dominance against the blacks. It was the basis
of the harsh societies which is now overturned. He says , that the policy of apartheid created a
deep and lasting wound
on his country and its people.
Now it is the system that recognised the rights and freedom of all people.

Regret of Mandela and Remembrance of Freedom Fighters

On the auspicious day Mandela regretted the loss of thousands of people and remembered their
sacrifices for the freedom from discrimination. He thought of himself as the sum of all those
African patriots who sacrificed their lives before him. He was pained that he couldn’t thank
them.
He recalled great freedom fighters like Oliver, Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo,
etc. who were the men of uncommon courage, wisdom and generosity.
He said that the country is rich in minerals but its greatest wealth is its people.

Goodness and Duties of a Man

The author says that being white or black is not the token of your goodness or superiority. No
one is born hating other, people should love one another which comes without force as it is
natural. It is man’s essential goodness.
A man has to perform duties to his family, community and country which he didn’t see in his
country before he pushed himself to fight for the blacks. A black man was punished if he tried to
live like a human being and forced to live apart from his own people. So, he was not allowed to
perform his duties to his family.

Meaning of Freedom by Mandela

As a kid Mandela had different meaning for being free as he wanted to run in the fields and
wanted to stay out at night. As he grew older he wanted the freedom of livelihood for himself
and his family.
But soon he realised that such freedom was only an illusion, j He realised that his brothers and
sisters who looked like him were not free, so he joined African National Congress (ANC). His
hunger for freedom became great for the freedom of his people. He desired that everyone
should be given the right to live his life with dignity and respect. He wanted the oppressor and
the oppressed to be liberated. As no one is free if one is taking someone else’s freedom. Only
such feelings can bring true freedom for everyone.

Chapter Highlights

 10th of May was, a day of freedom for South Africa and there was huge gathering of
international leaders and dignitaries.
 Inauguration ceremony or swearing in ceremony was being held in Union Building in
Pretoria and first non-racial government took the charge.
 Nelson Mandela gave speech on the victory for justice, peace and human dignity.
 Mandela pledged to liberate his people from poverty, suffering and discrimination.
 A colourful show by jets and helicopters to show military’s loyalty took place.
 Singing of two national anthems was done-the old ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ by the whites and the
new ‘Die stem’ by the blacks.
 A new system that recognised the rights and freedom of all people was formed.
 Mandela remembered and thanked the people who sacrificed their lives for the freedom.
 Salutation to some great freedom fighters – Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli,
Yusuf Dadoo and others.
 Mandela said in speech that a country is rich because of its people not because of the
minerals. Courage is not the absence of fear but the victory over it. People should love
others and not hate them due to colour or religion. Love comes naturally not by force,
which is the natural goodness.
 He also stated that a man should try to make a balance between his duties – duty to his
family and duty to his community and country. A black person was treated badly and not
allowed to perform his duties.
 According to Mandela, freedom has many aspects like – for a kid it is to run and play, for
an adult it is to fulfil the needs, of his own and his family. Real freedom means equal
rights for everyone.
 Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC). He desired people to live
with dignity and respect. He wanted the oppressor and the oppressed to be liberated.
 Patience and perseverance guided by discipline and system yield the desire result.

First Flight
Chapter 3- Two Stories about Flying
Revision Notes

Chapter Sketch
The Chapter ‘Two Stories About Flying’ is a combination of two inspiring stories ‘His First Flight’
and The Black Aeroplane’.
About the Characters

Story I-His First Flight

Family of Seagulls 6 members in the family of seagulls
Young Seagull One who is unable to fly due to fear.

Story II-The Black Aeroplane

The Narrator A pilot who was flying his Dakota aeroplane over France back to England lost his
way due to storm.
The Unknown Friend A pilot who was flying the black aeroplane helped the narrator to find the
way in the storm.
The Woman The working woman in the control centre whom the narrator asked about the
unknown friend of the black aeroplane.

STORY I His First Flight - Liam O’ Flaherty

This story is about a family of seagulls. There was a young child in the family who was unable to
fly even after several tries. The story highlights the importance of family and friends in one’s life.
It also gives the message that one needs to believe in self to overcome all the hurdles of own
life.

The Seagull Family

The seagull family consists of six seagulls-mother, father, three sons and one daughter. All of
them except the youngest son are expert in flying high. His parents have tried several times to
teach him how to fly but he is scared to do that and does not want to try anymore. He relies on
the food that his parents bring back from their flights.

Young Seagull’s Fear of Flyihg

The youngest son is afraid of flying as he thinks that if he flies, his wings would not support him
and he would fall down in the sea below and drown. Even his parents have rebuked him. They
even threatened him if he doesn’t fly, he would die of hunger but he does not try.

Parents Leave Young Seagull Alone

After so many failed attempts his parents leave him alone on the rock without food. They even
taunt him for his cowardice. The young seagull looks at his brothers and sister enjoying
swimming, diving in the sea water for fish to feed themselves, but no one comes near him to
offer food.

Hunger and Heat Increase

As the time passes, the young seagull could not tolerate the hunger and the heat. He moves
closer to the edge and pretends to fall asleep but nobody takes notice of [Link] brothers and
sister have already had hearty breakfast and father seems busy preening the feathers on his
back. The mother looks at him and tries to tempt him with pieces of fish. Her begging and
crying does not effect him.

Young Seagull Dives for Food

The young seagull was very hungry. He was surprised enough at his mothers’ ignorance of his
pitiful condition. Thus, he dives for food. He begins to fall down with a scream as soon as he
dives.

Flight Begins
The young seagull begins to fall in the sea. He is afraid of drawing, so he tries to spread his
wings outwards and begins flying. He feels a little dizzy but all his fear vanished. He soars
slowly, downwards and upwards. He could finally fly on his own.

Joy of Flight and Reunion of Family

The seagull becomes so happy and soars higher calling ‘ga, ga, gab It was really a joyous
moment for the whole family; his brothers and sister alongwith his parents come near to
encourage and cheer him. The young seagull successfully made his first flight.

Chapter Highlights

 Seagull family of 6 members.

 The young seagull afraid of flying.
 Family has concern of his food and fear of flying.
 Cajoling and provoking him by family.
 Family leaves him alone at the rock.
 He cries because of heat and hunger.
 No one looks at him except the mother.
 Temptation by mother for a piece of fish.
 He pretends to sleep but nobody comes to him,
 Everybody taunts him for his cowardice.
 The young seagull dives to catch a fish to feed himself.
 He tries to spread his wings outwards.
 He begins to fly slowly downwards and upwards.
 He is now no longer afraid of flying and falling down in the sea. He soars with a joyous
scream.
 Seagull family comes near to him and encourages him.
 He has made his first flight successfully.

STORY II The Black Aeroplane Frederick Forsyth

In the story the narrator was flying to England with his family to enjoy his holiday. He wanted to
reach England in time so that he could enjoy a good English breakfast with his family.

The Trip to England

The author was flying his aeroplane at night over France to England. He was eager to meet his
family. He was dreaming of his holiday. The stars were shining in the clear sky. Even the city-
Paris could be seen down below. He called Paris control to get instructed about the way. He
was instructed to turn 12 degrees West.

Fear of Storm
Everything was going well before he saw the storm clouds and Paris was about 150 kilometres
behind him. It was natural for the author to panic. He knew that it was not possible to fly up and
over those storm clouds. He was confused for a rtioment.

A Risky but Brave Decision of the Author

As everything was fearful at the moment, the author decided to risk and flew into the storm, but
everything went berserk. The compass as well as other instruments stopped working. He was
unable to see outside the plane as the plane was jumping and twisting in the air. He tried to
contact Paris Control but couldn’t. He was lost in the storm.

A Black Aeroplane Appeared

Suddenly, the author saw another black aeroplane in the storm by his side without lights on its
wings. It seemed strange to him but he was glad to see another person in the storm.
The pilot of another plane waved at him and signalled to follow so he did that because he did
not have other option except it.

A Safe Landing
The author flew for half an hour which was quiet strange to him as he had fuel only for five or
ten minutes. He felt tearful but suddenly he saw two bright lines infront of him. It was a runway.
He was able to land safely which gave him a sigh of relief. It was just like a miracle for him.

The Greatest Surprise

The author came out from his plane to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane but he was
shocked to see no one there. He went to Control Tower and asked the woman about the place
and the black aeroplane. Hearing his words the woman laughed and said that there was no
other aeroplane except his. It was a big surprise to the author. He was dumb founded as he had
no explanation for the miracle.

Chapter Highlights

 The clear sky with shining stars

 The author was about to meet his family at breakfast.
 At 1:30 in the morning, author flew in his Dakota aeroplane and he was instructed to turn
12 degrees West by Paris Control.
 He was around 150 kilometre away from Paris.
 The cloud storms approached him.
 He decided to enter the storm.
 A risky decision of the author due to his willingness to see his family.
 He lost the way in the storm.
 All the instruments stopped working.
 A black aeroplane appeared by the author side in the storm.
 He was instructed to follow the black plane.
 Without much fuel he flew for half an hour.
 He landed safely on the runway.
 He went out from his aeroplane to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane.
 Got surprised not to find anyone there in the aeroplane.
 The author asked the woman of Control Tower about the black aeroplane.
 She laughed and replied in negative about such a plane.
 A miracle with no explanation for the author which saved his life.

First Flight
Chapter 4 - From the Diary of Anne Frank
Revision Notes
Chapter Sketch
In the chapter ‘From the Diary of Anne Frank’, the writer Anne Frank tells about her true
companion- a diary. She writes everything about her life in her diary and considers it her true
friend. At the time of invasion of German, her family hid itself. At that time she started to write in
her diary. She spent her adolescent years hidden from outside world, and her diary kept all her
secrets.

About the Characters

Anne Frank - The 13 years old Jewish girl who writes a diary while she is hiding in Amsterdam
from the Nazis during World War II.
Margot Frank - Anne’s sister, she is three years older than Anne. „
Otto Frank - Anne’s father, he is a Jewish businessman who left Germany after Hitler’s rise to
power, hoping to find refuge in Netherland.
Mrs Frank - Anne’s mother, she is the source of many conflicts with Anne during the two years
that the family spends in hiding.
Mr Keesing - Her Maths teacher who punishes Anne as he gets annoyed by her talkative nature.
Mrs Kuperus - Her headmistress at Montessori nursery school.
OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Anne Frank’s First Entry in the Diary

Anne Frank a thirteen year old girl was gifted a diary by her father. So she decided to write in her
diary which she considered to be her best friend in loneliness and named it ‘Kitty’. She began
writing in June 1942. In her first entry she expressed her desire to confide everything to the
diary as she hadn’t been able to do so to anyone else. She felt that paper had more patience
than people. Secondly she thought that nobody would be interested in her diary as she was a
small girl.

Her Childhood and Family

Anne called her father as the most adorable person. He was 36 when he married her mother,
who was just 25. She has an older sister Margot. She had about 30 people around her but she
had no true friend. They lived in Frankfurt for sometime but as they were jewish they had to
migrate to Holland for refuge. Her mother stayed with her grandmother but went to Holland to
her father.

Anne’s Schooling
She was sent to a Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six. At her farewell
she and her headmistress Mrs Kuperus had tears in their eyes.

Her Grandmother’s Death

In the summer of 1941 her grandmother fell ill. She had to be operated upon but she died in
January 1942. It gave Anne a shock and she did not write her diary in that period, but after that
she wrote again as she thought of her grandmother’s love and affection.

Her view About Teachers

Anne was not good at maths so she and her friends were always worried about it, but she was
sure that she would go to the next class. She always considered teachers to be the most
unpredictable creatures on the earth. So she told her friends not to lose hope.

Punishment by Mr Keesing
Anne was a good student and had a good relationship with all the teachers except Mr Keesing,
who taught her Maths. He was always annoyed by her talkative nature. He used to give her extra
homework as punishment. He asked her to write an essay on ‘A Chatterbox.’

Completion of Homework
Anne was unable to understand what she could write in the essay. She started writing to
consider it the necessity. She wrote the three pages for her satisfaction. She defined it as a
feature of a student and also mentioned that she inherited this trait from her mother who also
used to talk much.
Homework given as Punishment Again
Mr Keesing read Annes’ essay in front of class and laughed at it. He gave her another essay as a
punishment on the topic ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox’ and Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress
Chatterbox’.

Anne Mocks Mr Keesing Amusingly with her Homework

Anne wanted to write something interesting and different this time. So, with the help of her
friend Sanne who was good at poetry, she wrote an essay in verse. It was about three duckling
got dead because their father duck beat them as they quack way too much. Mr Keesing took the
joke in the right way and didn’t bother Anne for talking after that incident. She was not even
given any extra homework after that.

Chapter Highlights

 Anne Frank lived in Holland after Hitler invaded.

 His father and mother left her and her sister to her Grandma.
 She was gifted a diary on her thirteenth birthday.
 She named it ‘Kitty’ and made it her best friend in her loneliness.
 She wrote every problem and happenings in her diary.
 She was very close to her Grandma, after her death she felt very much alone.
 They lived in hiding for many years to survive.
 She was lovable of every teacher except Mr Keesing who taught Maths.
 Mr Kessing got annoyed with her talkative nature. ’
 He punished her by giving her extra homework many a time.
 Her essay in verse form on topic ‘Quack’ Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox
humiliated Mr Kessing.
 He allowed her to talk and relieved her from any extra home work.

First Flight
Poem 1 - Dust of Snow
Revision Notes

Central Idea of the Poem

The ‘Dust of Snow’, by Robert Frost is a small and simple poem with a deep meaning”. It
expresses the significance of small things in changing one’s attitude. The poem reiterates that
the little things in life can make huge changes in our future. It also shows that if we take the
hard times of life in stride eventually something will happen to change our situation into happier
times.
EXPLANATION OF THE POEM
Stanza 1
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

WORD MEANINGS
dust of snow – particles of snow
hemlock tree – a poisonous plant (tree) with small white flowers

Exp – The poet, Robert Frost, recounts a small incident that changes his mood. It seems very
‘ simple but it has great significance. The poet was once very depressed and hopeless. He was
in a state of sorrow and was lost in his thoughts. He was standing under the hemlock tree.
Suddenly a crow, that was sitting on the tree, shook the tree and the fine particles of snow from
the tree fell on the poet.

Stanza 2
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

WORD MEANINGS
mood – a state of mind
rued – held in regret

Exp – When the soft and cold snow fell on the poet it changed his mood from sad to happy. He
started feeling soothed and refreshed. This simple incident helped him enjoy the remaining part
of the day. He, thus, became happy as it saved his rest of the day from being wasted and held in
regret.

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

Rhyme scheme – abab

Symbolism – Hemlock tree, Crow
Alliteration - has given my heart, saved some part etc.
Assonance- shook down on me (Repetition of vowel sound "O")

First Flight
Poem 2 - Fire and Ice
Revision Notes

Central Idea of the Poem

The poem, ‘Fire and Ice’ by Robert Frost revolves around the theme that human emotions are
destructive when allowed to run amok (out of control). They can destroy a person morally,
mentally and physically. The poet impresses upon the readers, the destructive results of bearing
ill feeling like-greed, avarice, lust, conflict, fury, hatred, intolerance, etc.

EXPLANATION OF THE POEM

Stanza 1
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.

WORD MEANINGS
desire – wish
hold – to take side, favour
favour – incline towards

Exp – The poet considers the age-old question of whether the world will end in fire or in ice. He
is analysing about the end of the world. The poet provides and deals with two possible causes
for the end of the world. Both the two reasons contrast each other and are equally opposite to
each other. On one side of the debate are those people who are in favour of fire. They believe
that it will be the heat and the passion, which will lead the humanity, the world’ to end. On the
other side of the debate are those who favour ice and feel that it will be the ‘ice’ which will
freeze the world. In other words, either deep heat or fire under the Earth beds will lead to natural
calamities like volcano eruptions, earthquakes, etc, which will one day end the world or the
melting of the ice from the snowy mountains due to global warming will shrink the world and
one day the entire world will die of the icy water.
‘Frost is providing a powerful statement on the subject of greed and jealousy’. He is saying that
above all else, even hatred, which is the trait of humanity is most likely to lead to its demise. To
Frost, desire represents the greatest problem that the world faces. Desire is a kind of intense
love or want that focuses people on getting and possessing and acquiring. This kind of desire
can lead people to destruction.

Stanza 2
But if it had to perish twice,
I think, I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

WORD MEANINGS
perish – die
suffice – be sufficient

Exp – The poet is very much sure of the destruction of the humanity. He first talks about the
destruction caused by fire and in case this fails, then ice will result into hatred that will end
humanity one day. Frost goes on to discuss, in a more understated manner, the power of hate,
which is symbolised in the poem by ice. Hate, according to the speaker, is just as powerful as
desire. While desire consumes, quickly, hate is just as great and powerful. Infact, by ending the
poem with the concept of hate. ‘Frost directs the reader to the shy yet restrained devastation
that hate can produce. Hate can occur and finger in people’s minds and hearts for years’,
sometimes even lifetimes. Hate consumes the hater perhaps even more than the person or
group hated; it can ruin lives. Hate is destructive and sinful. Hate is presented as having the
ability to lead to the destruction of the world if it were to happen for a second time, again
providing a powerful warning against this human fallacy.

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

Alliteration
Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice.
I hold with those who favour fire
Paradox
But if it had to perish twice
Symbolism
Fire – a symbol for desire
Ice – a symbol for hate
Imagery
Fire and ice carry deep connotations, Fire elicits the feeling of heat and light, but also burning J
and pain.
Ice elicits the feeling of coldness, but also indifference and intolerance.
Assonance
But if it had to perish twice, (Repetition of zowel sound "I")
Anaphora
Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
Rhyme Scheme
abaabcbcb
Footprints Without Feet
Chapter 1 - A Triumph of Surgery
Revision Notes
Chapter Sketch
The story recounts the episode where the narrator, a Veterinary surgeon, saves the life of a
listless dog, Tricki, by hospitalising him to prevent him from being overfed by his wealthy owner,
Mrs Pumphrey, which was only worsening his condition.

About the Characters

James Herriot James is a Veterinary surgeon, who proves to be a capable doctor and a wise
individual. He is an animal lover and a caring guardian.
Mrs Pumphrey Mrs Pumphrey is a wealthy single woman. She is very much attached to her dog,
Tricki. She is very loving but weak at heart.
Tricki Tricki is a lazy and fat dog who loves food. He is very fond of his owner. He turns out to
be energetic and lively after recovering from his illness.

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Herriot Halts to Enquire about Tricki:
It was when Herriot was driving that, he saw Mrs Pumphrey and Tricki walking down the street.
He stopped his car to see how Tricki was doing. He was shocked to see that he had become fat
like a sausage and was lacking energy. After enquiring from Mrs Pumphrey about Tricki’s
condition, he advised her to immediately stop giving the dog extra snacks between meals. He
also wanted her to make him exercise daily along with a strict diet in order to improve his health.
Mrs Pumphrey confessed that it was very difficult for her to do so but she agreed upon giving it
a try and walked off with Tricki.

Herriot Received the Expected Call:

Mrs Pumphrey called James Herriot, the vet, in haste, as Tricki had refused to eat food? Her
concern grew even more when he had bouts of vomiting. James drove to Mrs Pumphrey’s
house with a firm mindset that the only way to cure Tricki was to get him out of the house for
some time. He suggested to Mrs Pumphrey to hospitalise him for a fortnight for observation so
that the proper treatment can follow. Although it broke Mrs Pumphrey’s heart, she allowed
James to take Tricki along with him to his surgery. He carried the dog wrapped in a blanket to
his car. All the house helpers started to get together the blankets, rugs, bowls, coats etc that
they thought Tricki might need during his hospitalisation. James started to drive off as he knew
that his car could not carry so many things. All that Mrs Pumphrey managed to put were a few
of his coats. Tricki left for the hospital leaving his caretakers behind in tears.

Tricki’s Stay and Recovery at the Hospital:

Tricki lay motionless on the bed that the vet made for him on the first day. He was put on a
water diet for almost two days. Even the household dogs didn’t bother him as he seemed
uninterested in anything. After two days, he started responding a bit. On the following day, he
whimpered, trotted and joined the hound in the garden. Later on the third day, he ran with
enthusiasm when the food was served. He also gulped down the extra food that was put out for
him. His recovery was speeding up. He” had started running all day long and found joy in being
bowled over and squashed. Inspite of being a high maintenance dog, he had fitted in well with
the gang of shabby and unkempt ones.

Mrs Pumphrey’s Concern:

Mrs Pumphrey used to phone the vet’s clinic several times a day. She was keen to record his
recovery and maintenance at short intervals. James brushed away her questions about Tricki’s
dressing according to the weather but he didn’t fail to assure her that Tricki was out of danger.
Upon learning about Tricki’s improving health, Mrs Pumphrey started sending additional food
items, wine and brandy for Tricki, although this was not required. So the vet and his partner
consumed these additional items themselves.

Time for Tricki’s Collection:

After two weeks James called up Mrs Pumphrey to inform that Tricki was fit and could go home.
Mrs Pumphrey reached the surgery within half an hour. While the chauffeur held the door open,
she enquired about Tricki’s actual condition. She was concerned about his well being and
wanted to be sure about it. James found Tricki playing with the pack. He had become healthy
and strong in his two weeks stay. As James carried Tricki out to his mistress, he jumped off his
arms and landed in his mistress’ lap. She was very happy at finding Tricki as excited as he used
to be. He licked her face and wagged his tail. The chauffeur and the vet settled the dog’s stuff in
the car while Mrs Pumphrey thanked the vet for the ‘triumph of surgery’.

Chapter Highlights

 James Herriot stops his car and sees the poor health of Mrs Pumphrey’s dog, Tricki.
 He advises Mrs Pumphrey to put Tricki on a strict diet and make him exercise daily.
 Mrs Pumphrey continues to overfeed Tricki, which worsens his condition.
 She calls Herriot for help on noticing Tricki’s deteriorating health.
 Herriot decides to hospitalise Tricki for a fortnight to treat him.
 Tricki’s hospitalisation left Mrs Pumphrey and the helpers at home in tears.
 Tricki was kept on a strict diet in the hospital. His diet was increased according to the
improvements he showed.
 Mrs Pumphrey’s anxiousness about Tricki’s health went away on learning that Tricki was
convalescing satisfactorily.
 She started to send eggs, wine and brandy for Tricki to enrich his blood and improve his
health.
 These items were instead enjoyed by James Herriot and his partner.
 Tricki was transformed from a weak fat dog to a hard-muscled and agile one.
 James Herriot calls Mrs Pumphrey to come and take Tricki home.

Footprints Without Feet

Chapter 2 - The Thief's Story
Revision Notes

Chapter Sketch
The Thief’s Story is about a 15 year old boy, Hari Singh, whose life changes when he meets Anil,
a 25 year old writer, Anil’s unspoken words and kind gestures leaves a very positive impact on
Hari Singh’s life.

About the Characters

Hari Singh He is a 15 year old, fair handed thief. He is keen on learning how to read and write.
He is so experienced robber that he knows how different people will react when they are robbed.
Anil He is a 25 years old, tall and lean man. He earns his living by writing. He is a kind, simple
and an easy-going person.

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Hari Singh Approaches Anil :
Hari Singh approached Anil while he was watching a wrestling match, as he seemed to be an
easy target to him. Hari used some flattering words to gain Anil’s confidence and soon they
started conversing. After a while, when Anil started to walk off, Hari followed him with his most
appealing smile.
He expressed his wish to work for Anil. But Anil bluntly expressed his inability to pay Hari. Hari
questioned Anil if he could feed him. Anil agreed to feed Hari only if he knew how to cook. Hari
said that he knew how to cook but this was a lie.

Anil Brings Hari to his Room :

Anil took Hari to his room over Jumna Sweet Shop and let him occupy the balcony to sleep. Anil
gave that night’s meal to a stray dog because the meal cooked by Hari was terrible. Anil had
realised that Hari didn’t know how to cook. He asked Hari to go off to sleep, but Hari hung
around, giving his most appealing smile. Anil patted Hari’s head and told him that he would
teach him how to cook.

Anil Teaches Hari to Read and Write :

Anil taught Hari to write his name and promised to teach him how to write whole sentences and
to add numbers eventually. Hari was happy and grateful for this as he knew that he could
achieve anything he wanted once he knew how to read and write like an educated man. He liked
working for Anil. He started making tea in the morning and buying the day’s supplies later. He
used to make a profit of about a rupee on buying the day’s supplies but knew that Anil didn’t
mind.

Hari had Gained Anil’s Trust :

One evening Anil came back with a bundle of currency notes he had got from selling a book he
had written to a publisher. He kept the money under the mattress and slept peacefully. Hari had
been working for Anil for almost a month and he had gained Anil’s trust. Hari saw the
opportunity to rob Anil. It was not an easy task as he knew that Anil will be sad about the loss of
money. He brushed away his thoughts and decided to execute the robbery the same night, as
Anil would’ve otherwise wasted the money on his friends.

Hari Robbed Anil :

Hari considered the situation and crawled up to the bed when Anil was asleep. He slid his hand
under the mattress and drew the money out quietly. He rushed out of the room and began to run
on the road. He had secured the money with the string of his pyjama He was heading towards
the railway station to catch 10.30 express to Lucknow as planned. He was elated when he
counted the money on his way.

Hari didn’t Board the Train :

Hari reached the station just when the train was about to pick up speed. He could have
managed to get into one of the carriages but something unexplainable stopped him. He was left
behind on the station. He decided to leave the station and thought while walking through the
bazaar about how would Anil feel when he would come to know about the theft. Hari had
realised by then that he could not only cook the meals or go to the market to buy daily supplies,
but he had also lost the chance to learn how to read and write. Due to these thoughts and his
feeling of guilt, he decided to go back to Anil, if only for the sake of learning how to read and
write.

Hari Kept the Money Back :

Hari hurried towards the room. He opened the door cautiously so as not to wake Anil up. He
quickly took out the currency notes which were damp because of the rain. He crept up to the
bed and placed the notes under the mattress. After that, he went off to sleep in the balcony.

Anil Reacted Normally in the Morning :

Hari woke up late in the morning. He found that Anil had already prepared tea. Anil gave a fifty
rupee note to Hari, telling him that he had earned some money by selling a book to a publisher
and now he would pay him regularly. Hari was motivated but he could make out that Anil knew
everything though he didn’t say anything to him about it.

Chapter Highlights

 A small-time 15 year old thief, who calls himself Hari Singh, befriends a struggling writer.
Anil. Hari’s purpose is to steal Anil’s money.
 Anil is a good fellow who wants to teach Hari Singh how to read and write.
 Gradually, Anil develops trust in Hari Singh. But Hari Singh has been waiting for the right
moment to make a killing by doing what he is best at, i.e. stealing.
 After stealing the money which Anil had earned by selling a book to a publisher, Hari
Singh tries to run away forever.
 But some inner voice stops him from doing so. He returns to Anil because he realises
that he wants to live a life of respect.
 Anil does not show that he knows about the theft and accepts Hari Singh with open
arms.
 Thus, a well intentioned person tries to reform a teenager who has strayed from the
correct path.

Footprints Without Feet

Chapter 3 - The Midnight Visitor
Revision Notes
Chapter Sketch
Ausable, a secret agent, is expecting to get a very important report. Another secret agent, Max,
threatens him with a pistol, demanding the report. This story tells how Ausable outwits Max by
making up convincing stories.

About the Characters

Ausable: He is a secret agent who does not look like one at all, but shows great presence of
mind to outwit another secret agent.
Fowler: He is a young and romantic writer who is looking for some excitement in the company
of a secret agent like Ausable.
Max: A rival secret agent who is fooled by Ausable and falls to his death.

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Meeting of Secret Agent Ausable and Writer Fowler :
Ausable was a smart secret agent, but did not look like one at all, being short and very fat.
Fowler was a young writer who wanted to write about Ausable and so spent an evening with him.
Fowler was feeling disappointed so far, as he could not find any characteristic of a secret agent
in Ausable.

Another Secret Agent Max seen with a Pistol :

When both Ausable and fowler entered Ausable’s hotel room, another secret agent rmmed Max
was waiting in the room with an automatic pistol pointed at them. Max was there because he
had come to know that Ausable was going to receive an important report about some new
missiles that night. Max threatened to shoot if Ausable tried to act smart.

Ausable Confuses Max :

To ensure the report’s safety as well as his own and the writer’s safety, Ausable invented a story
about anybody entering his room easily through a balcony just below the window in his room.
Actually there was no balcony – if anybody climbed out from the window, he would fall to his
death, as the room was on the sixth floor. However, Max told them that he had entered the room
through the door using a passkey.

Max Jumps In the Non-existing Balcony and Dies :

Suddenly there was a knocking on the door and Ausable pretended that it was the local police,
who had been asked to provide him extra security for the important document he was about to
receive. When the knocking was repeated, Max became angry at Ausable and decided to wait in
the balcony (which he thought existed) until the police went away. He stepped out of the
window and fell to his death.
When the door opened, a waiter came in with drinks which Ausable had ordered to be delivered
to his room when he had returned to the hotel.

Chapter Highlights

 Ausable was a smart secret agent, but did not look like one at all, being short and very
fat. Fowler was a young writer who wanted to write about Ausable and so spent an
evening with him.
 When both of them returned to Ausable’s sixth floor hotel room, another secret agent
named Max was waiting for them with a gun so that he could take the important report
on new missiles from Ausable.
 To ensure the report’s and their own safety, Ausable invented a story about anybody
entering his room easily through a balcony just below the window in his room. Actually
there was no balcony.
 Suddenly there was a knocking on the door and Ausable pretended that it was the local
police.
 When the knocking was repeated, Max decided to wait in the balcony (which he thought
existed) until the police went away. He stepped out of the window and fell to his death.
 When the door opened, a waiter came in with drinks which Ausable had ordered to be
delivered to his room when he had returned to the hotel.

Footprints Without Feet

Chapter 4 - A Question of Trust
Revision Notes

Chapter Sketch
Horace Danby collects rare books, and finances his hobby by breaking safes. This year, however,
he is caught by a pretty young lady claiming to be the wife of the house owner. She tricks him
into opening the safe and handing her the jewels. Horace is later arrested for the jewel robbery.

About the Characters

Horace Danby : He is a lock-opening expert who is caught for a jewellery robbery by trusting a
woman who pretended to be a family member of the owner.
The Unknown : Woman She is a smart thief who uses Horace’s lock-opening skills to rob the
jewellery from a safe.

OVERVIEW OF THE CHAPTER

Horace Danby: A Businessman and an Unusual Thief :
Horace Danby had a good reputation in society. He was about fifty years old and unmarried. He
ran a business of making locks and had two helpers. But Horace was not totally honest. He
loved rare and expensive books. Horace robbed a safe every year to finance his expensive
hobby. He was now going for committing a robbery.

Horace Plans a Theft :

For two weeks Horace had studied the country house at Shotover Grange, whose owners
normally lived in London. He wanted to burgle the jewellery lying in the safe in this house.
Horace entered the house when the servants were away. He had an allergy to flowers called hay
fever. He started sneezing. Then he heard a lady’s voice. She told him a cure for the sneeze.

Horace Meets a Young and Pretty Lady :

Then a young and pretty lady appeared in the doorway. She was young and pretty. His first
thought was to run, as the lady told him that she would telephone the police. Horace told her to
let him go and forget she ever saw him.

Lady’s Condition for Horace’s Freedom :

The lady put one condition for letting Horace go. She told him that she had promised her
husband to take her jewels to the bank. She had, however, left the jewels in the safe, as she
wanted to wear the jewels in a party that night. She came down to get them, but had forgotten
the number combination to open the safe. So she needed his help to break open the safe. So
Horace opened the safe for her and handed her the jewels to get his freedom.

Horace Got Arrested :

After two days a policeman arrested him for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. Horace’s
fingerprints were found all over the room. He had opened the safe without using his gloves. He
told the police that the lady of the house had told him to open the safe. But the actual lady was
a sixty year-old woman. She said that Horace’s story was nonsense. Then Horace realised that
the pretty young woman was also a jewel thief who had used his skill to steal the jewels.
Horace is now assistant librarian in prison. He often thinks of the charming and clever young
lady. She was in the same profession as him. She had simply tricked him. So he gets angry
when anyone talks about “honour among thieves”.

Chapter Highlights

 Horace Danby, who ran a business of making locks, had a good reputation in society. But
he was not totally honest.
 His hobby was collecting rare and expensive books. Horace robbed one safe every year
to finance his costly hobby.
 Horace had been studying the country house at Shotover Grange, whose owner normally
lived in London, as he wanted to burgle the jewellery, worth about 15000 pounds, lying in
the safe in this house.
 Horace entered the house when the servants were away. But Horace started sneezing
because he had an allergy to flowers called hay fever.
 Suddenly he heard a young lady’s voice saying that she could cure him. He then saw her
appear in the doorway.
 His first thought was to run, as the lady told him that she would telephone the police.
Horace told her to let him go and forget she ever saw him.
 The lady agreed on one condition – he should open the safe for her, as she had to wear
the jewels in the safe for a party the same night, but she had forgotten the combination
to open the safe.
 So Horace opened the safe for her and handed her the jewels to get his freedom.
 After two days Horace was arrested for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. Horace’s
fingerprints were found, as he had opened the safe without using his gloves.
 When he told the police that the lady of the house had asked him to open the safe, he
was surprised to learn that the actual lady was a 60-year old woman. Horace then
realised that the young woman was also a jewel thief who had used his skill to steal the
jewels.
 Horace is now in prison. He understands now that the charming and clever young lady
had simply tricked him.