NCERT Solution of A Question of Trust Class 10 English
NCERT Syllabus and Solution of The Thief’s Story Class 10 English of the book “Footprints
Without Feet” will explain The Thief’s Story’s summary, critical analysis, difficult word meaning, and most important questions.
Let’s break down the chapter “A Question of Trust” critically, followed by the meanings, synonyms, and antonyms of difficult words, the central idea, theme, reading comprehension, and important questions for class 10 students.
NCERT Solution of A Question of Trust Class 10 English
Critical Analysis of “A Question of Trust”
Summary: Horace Danby is a seemingly respectable lock-maker who has a secret passion for rare books. To finance his hobby, he plans and executes a burglary each year. His latest target is Shotover Grange. However, during the heist, he encounters a woman he believes to be the lady of the house. She tricks him into opening the safe for her, claiming she has forgotten the combination. Later, it is revealed that she is a clever thief herself. Horace is caught and sent to prison because he left his fingerprints in the safe.
Central Idea: The story highlights the themes of trust and deception, showing that appearances can be deceiving and that those who deceive others can themselves be deceived.
Theme:
- Deception and Trust: The story revolves around how easily trust can be misplaced and how deception can lead to one’s downfall.
- Crime and Consequences: It underscores that engaging in criminal activities, regardless of the motive, often leads to negative outcomes.
- Moral Ambiguity: The story explores the complex nature of morality, where Horace, despite being a thief, has certain principles.
Characterization:
- Horace Danby: A meticulous planner who justifies his thefts as a means to support his love for books. He is careful but ultimately overconfident and gullible.
- The Woman: Clever and deceptive, she manipulates Horace into helping her steal. Her character reveals the unpredictability and cunning nature of criminals.
Critical Summary of “A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning
Introduction
Horace Danby appears to be a respectable and honest citizen, but beneath this facade, he leads a double life as a burglar. His passion for rare books drives him to commit a robbery once a year to fund his collection. This year’s target is the house at Shotover Grange.
Horace’s Plan
- Character Background:
- Horace Danby: A fifty-year-old locksmith, unmarried, and suffers from hay fever. He lives with a housekeeper and runs a successful business.
- Secret Life: Horace has a criminal past and robs safes annually to buy rare books.
- Targeting Shotover Grange:
- Horace meticulously studies the house for two weeks, understanding its layout and security.
- He waits for the servants to leave for the movies before breaking in.
- Breaking In:
- Entry: Horace finds the key to the kitchen door outside and enters, ensuring he leaves no fingerprints by wearing gloves.
- Encounter with Sherry: The house’s dog, Sherry, is friendly to him, making his entry easier.
- The Robbery:
- The Safe: Located behind a painting in the drawing room.
- Hay Fever: Horace is hindered by his hay fever due to the flowers in the room.
The Unexpected Encounter
- The Woman:
- A young, pretty woman in red catches Horace mid-robbery. She is kind yet firm, not frightened by him.
- Dialogue and Deception:
- Initial Conversation: The woman inquires about his hay fever and advises treatment.
- Negotiation: Horace, attempting to avoid trouble, proposes to leave peacefully, but she insists on involving the police if he tries to escape.
- The Lady’s Request:
- The Lady’s Ploy: Pretending to be the house owner’s wife, she convinces Horace to open the safe for her, claiming she needs the jewels for a party.
- Trust and Betrayal: Horace, eager to please, agrees and opens the safe, handing over the jewels.
The Aftermath
- The Realization:
- Two days later, Horace is arrested. His fingerprints are found all over the scene, as he had removed his gloves to help the woman.
- The True Culprit: The real Mrs. Shotover, an elderly woman, denies any involvement, revealing the younger woman as a cunning thief.
- Consequences:
- Horace’s Fate: Sent back to prison, now serving as an assistant librarian.
- Reflection: Horace is bitter about being outsmarted and feels deceived, challenging the notion of “honor among thieves.”
Key Points
- Deceptive Appearances:
- Both Horace and the young woman project images that conceal their true natures, leading to mutual deception.
- Irony:
- Horace, a careful planner, is outwitted by someone employing similar tactics.
- Moral Lesson:
- The story highlights the risks of dishonesty and how easily trust can be exploited, even among thieves.
- Character Complexity:
- Horace’s dual nature reflects the complexity of human behavior, showing that even those who seem respectable can harbor secrets.
Conclusion
“A Question of Trust” intricately explores themes of deception, trust, and irony, demonstrating how even meticulous plans can falter due to unforeseen cleverness from others. Horace Danby’s tale is a cautionary story about the perils of leading a double life and underestimating others.
Detailed Summary of “A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning
Introduction
Horace Danby, a fifty-year-old locksmith, is seemingly a good and honest citizen. However, beneath this respectable facade lies a secret: he is a professional burglar who commits one robbery each year to fund his passion for rare books.
Horace’s Plan
- Character Background:
- Horace Danby: Lives with a housekeeper, unmarried, suffers from hay fever, and is generally happy.
- Dual Life: Known for his good reputation but has a criminal history. He served a prison sentence 15 years ago and steals to buy expensive books.
- Target Selection:
- Shotover Grange: Chosen for its valuable jewels worth fifteen thousand pounds. Horace expects to sell them for at least five thousand pounds.
- Preparation:
- Study and Surveillance: Spends two weeks studying the house, its layout, electric wiring, paths, and garden.
- Observation: Waits for the servants to leave for a movie before making his move.
- Execution:
- Entry: Finds the kitchen door key outside and enters the house, ensuring no fingerprints are left by wearing gloves.
- Encounter with Sherry: A friendly small dog, whom Horace pacifies by calling its name.
- The Safe:
- Location: Behind a painting in the drawing room.
- Hindrance: Hay fever is triggered by flowers in the room, causing sneezing fits.
The Unexpected Encounter
- The Intruder:
- A young, pretty woman in red catches Horace mid-robbery. Her voice is kind but firm, and she seems unafraid.
- Dialogue and Deception:
- Initial Exchange: The woman discusses hay fever treatment with Horace.
- Negotiation: Horace tries to persuade her to forget about his intrusion, but she threatens to call the police.
- The Lady’s Request:
- Pretending to be the Owner: She claims to be the house owner’s wife, needing the jewels for a party and has forgotten the safe combination.
- Manipulation: Horace, believing her, agrees to open the safe.
- Trust and Betrayal:
- Compliance: Horace removes his gloves to help her, handing over the jewels.
- Escape: Leaves the house, feeling he has successfully avoided trouble.
The Aftermath
- The Arrest:
- Two days later, Horace is arrested. His fingerprints were found at the scene, leading to his capture.
- True Identity: The real Mrs. Shotover, an elderly woman, denies any involvement, exposing the young woman as a clever thief.
- Consequences:
- Horace’s Fate: Sent back to prison, now serving as an assistant librarian.
- Reflection: Horace feels bitter about being outsmarted and questions the notion of “honor among thieves.”
20 Most Important Points with Emojis
- 👨🔧 Horace Danby: Respected locksmith, but secretly a burglar.
- 📚 Passion for Rare Books: Steals to fund his expensive book collection.
- 🏠 Shotover Grange: Target for this year’s robbery.
- 🗓️ Two Weeks of Planning: Carefully studies the house and its security.
- 🔑 Key Outside: Finds and uses the key to enter the kitchen.
- 🧤 Gloves: Wears gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.
- 🐕 Sherry the Dog: Keeps the dog quiet by using its name.
- 🎨 Safe Behind Painting: The safe is hidden in the drawing room.
- 🌸 Hay Fever: Flowers trigger his hay fever, causing sneezing fits.
- 🚪 Encounter: A young woman in red surprises him during the robbery.
- 🤝 Negotiation: The woman pretends to be the owner’s wife.
- 👩❤️👨 Charm: Horace is charmed and believes her story.
- 🔓 Opens the Safe: Removes gloves and opens the safe for her.
- 💎 Jewels Handed Over: Gives the jewels to the woman.
- 🚓 Arrest: Arrested two days later, fingerprints found at the scene.
- 👵 True Owner: Real Mrs. Shotover, an elderly woman, denies involvement.
- 🚔 Deception Exposed: The young woman was a clever thief.
- 🏛️ Sentenced Again: Horace is sent back to prison.
- 📚 Prison Librarian: Becomes an assistant librarian in prison.
- 🤔 Reflection: Feels bitter about being deceived, questions “honor among thieves”.
Conclusion
“A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning is a story of deception, trust, and irony. Horace Danby, a meticulous planner, is outwitted by a more cunning thief. The story highlights the risks of dishonesty and the ease with which trust can be exploited. Horace’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of leading a double life and underestimating others.
Difficult Words, Meanings, Synonyms, and Antonyms
- Respectable
- Meaning: Deserving of respect
- Synonyms: Honorable, reputable
- Antonyms: Disreputable, dishonorable
- Hindi: सम्मानित (Sammaanit)
- Unmarried
- Meaning: Not married
- Synonyms: Single, unwed
- Antonyms: Married, wedded
- Hindi: अविवाहित (Avivaahit)
- Housekeeper
- Meaning: A person employed to manage a household
- Synonyms: Caretaker, domestic
- Antonyms: Guest, visitor
- Hindi: गृहिणी (Grihini)
- Hay fever
- Meaning: Allergic reaction to pollen or dust
- Synonyms: Allergic rhinitis
- Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
- Hindi: परागज ज्वर (Paraagaj Jvar)
- Served
- Meaning: Completed a term (often in prison)
- Synonyms: Completed, fulfilled
- Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
- Hindi: सेवा की (Seva Ki)
- Expensive
- Meaning: Costing a lot of money
- Synonyms: Costly, pricey
- Antonyms: Cheap, inexpensive
- Hindi: महंगा (Mehenga)
- Burglary
- Meaning: Illegal entry into a building with intent to commit a crime
- Synonyms: Robbery, theft
- Antonyms: Donation, gift
- Hindi: सेंधमारी (Sendhmaari)
- Meticulous
- Meaning: Showing great attention to detail
- Synonyms: Careful, precise
- Antonyms: Careless, sloppy
- Hindi: सूक्ष्म (Sookshm)
- Tickle
- Meaning: To touch lightly causing itching
- Synonyms: Itch, prick
- Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
- Hindi: गुदगुदी (Gudgudi)
- Servants
- Meaning: People employed to perform domestic duties
- Synonyms: Helpers, aides
- Antonyms: Masters, employers
- Hindi: नौकर (Naukar)
- Buried
- Meaning: Covered or hidden
- Synonyms: Concealed, hidden
- Antonyms: Exposed, revealed
- Hindi: दफनाया हुआ (Dafnaya Hua)
- Firmness
- Meaning: The quality of being strong and determined
- Synonyms: Strength, resolve
- Antonyms: Weakness, softness
- Hindi: दृढ़ता (Dridhata)
- Amused
- Meaning: Finding something funny or entertaining
- Synonyms: Entertained, delighted
- Antonyms: Bored, disinterested
- Hindi: मनोरंजन (Manoranjan)
- Threaten
- Meaning: To state one’s intention to harm or punish
- Synonyms: Intimidate, menace
- Antonyms: Reassure, comfort
- Hindi: धमकी देना (Dhamki Dena)
- Desperate
- Meaning: Feeling or showing a hopeless sense of urgency
- Synonyms: Hopeless, frantic
- Antonyms: Hopeful, calm
- Hindi: निराशाजनक (Niraashajanak)
- Promise
- Meaning: A declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something
- Synonyms: Vow, pledge
- Antonyms: Break, renege
- Hindi: वादा (Vaada)
- Cigarette
- Meaning: A small cylinder of finely cut tobacco leaves
- Synonyms: Smoke
- Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
- Hindi: सिगरेट (Sigaret)
- Silver
- Meaning: A shiny grayish-white metal
- Synonyms: Argent, metallic
- Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
- Hindi: चांदी (Chandi)
- Mended
- Meaning: Repaired or fixed
- Synonyms: Repaired, fixed
- Antonyms: Broken, damaged
- Hindi: मरम्मत (Marmmat)
- Arrested
- Meaning: Detained by law enforcement
- Synonyms: Apprehended, captured
- Antonyms: Released, freed
- Hindi: गिरफ्तार (Giraftaar)
Central Idea
The central idea of “A Question of Trust” is the complex interplay between trust and deception. The story reveals how easily trust can be misplaced and how even the most meticulous plans can fail due to unforeseen deceptions. It also highlights the consequences of engaging in criminal activities, no matter how justified they may seem to the perpetrator.
Theme
- Deception: The story shows how people can be easily deceived by appearances. The young woman deceives Horace by pretending to be the lady of the house.
- Trust: It questions the notion of trust, especially among those who are not entirely honest. Horace trusts the woman without verifying her identity.
- Crime and Punishment: It emphasizes that crime, regardless of the intention behind it, leads to punishment. Horace’s careful planning is undone by his trust in the wrong person.
Reading Comprehension
- Who is Horace Danby?
- Horace Danby is a respectable lock-maker who secretly steals to support his passion for rare books.
- Why does Horace steal?
- He steals to buy rare and expensive books that he loves.
- How does the woman deceive Horace?
- She pretends to be the lady of the house and tricks Horace into opening the safe for her.
- What mistake does Horace make?
- He leaves his fingerprints inside the safe, which leads to his arrest.
Important Questions of A Question of Trust
- Why does Horace Danby feel confident about the success of his plan to rob Shotover Grange?
- Horace feels confident because he has meticulously studied the house and its routines for two weeks, ensuring that he knows everything about its layout and security.
- At what point in the story did you realize the woman was not the lady of the house? What clues were given?
- Students might realize the deception when the woman starts giving detailed instructions to Horace about the safe and its combination, which seems unusual for the actual lady of the house.
- Discuss the irony in the story. How does Horace Danby’s character contribute to this irony?
- The irony lies in Horace Danby’s belief that he can outsmart everyone due to his meticulous planning, only to be outsmarted by another thief. His confidence and moral ambiguity contribute to his downfall.
- Do you think Horace Danby deserved his punishment? Why or why not?
- This question encourages students to debate the fairness of Horace’s punishment, considering his intentions and actions.
By exploring these elements, students can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s themes, characters, and moral lessons.
Lessons Students Learn from “A Question of Trust”
“A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning offers several lessons that can be valuable for students. Here are the key lessons:
- Trust and Deception:
- Lesson: Be cautious about whom you trust. Not everyone is who they appear to be.
- Example: Horace Danby is deceived by a woman he believes to be the lady of the house, showing that appearances can be misleading and trust should be earned cautiously.
- Crime Doesn’t Pay:
- Lesson: Engaging in illegal activities, even for seemingly justifiable reasons, often leads to negative consequences.
- Example: Horace Danby justifies his theft by his love for rare books, but ultimately, his actions lead to his arrest and punishment, highlighting that crime has repercussions.
- Importance of Attention to Detail:
- Lesson: Being meticulous and paying attention to details can prevent mistakes, but overconfidence can lead to oversight.
- Example: Horace is a careful planner but becomes overconfident and neglects to wear gloves while opening the safe, leaving fingerprints that lead to his capture.
- Presence of Mind:
- Lesson: Staying alert and having a clear mind can help navigate tricky situations.
- Example: The woman’s quick thinking and presence of mind allow her to deceive Horace effectively.
- Moral Ambiguity:
- Lesson: Understand the complexity of morality and that intentions do not always justify actions.
- Example: Horace believes his theft is justified by his noble intentions (buying rare books), but his actions still harm others and are morally wrong.
- Consequences of Actions:
- Lesson: Every action has consequences, and it’s important to consider them before making decisions.
- Example: Horace’s decision to steal leads to his arrest and a second stint in prison, reinforcing that actions, especially wrong ones, have repercussions.
- The Illusion of Honor Among Thieves:
- Lesson: The idea of “honor among thieves” is often a myth; trust among criminals is tenuous and unreliable.
- Example: Horace’s belief in mutual respect among thieves is shattered when he is outsmarted by another thief posing as the lady of the house.
- Personal Responsibility:
- Lesson: Taking personal responsibility for one’s actions is crucial, rather than blaming circumstances or others.
- Example: Horace’s downfall comes from his own choices, underscoring the importance of personal accountability.
Summary of “A Question of Trust”
Horace Danby appears to be a respectable, successful lock-maker but has a hidden life as a thief who robs safes to support his love for rare books. He meticulously plans his heists and executes them with precision. This year, he targets Shotover Grange, confident of another successful theft. However, his plan goes awry when he encounters a young woman who he believes is the lady of the house. She cleverly deceives him into opening the safe for her, only to be revealed later as a fellow thief. Horace’s fingerprints, left in the safe, lead to his arrest. He is left to ponder the irony of being outsmarted and the betrayal of what he believed was the honor among thieves.
Critical Analysis
- Theme: The primary theme revolves around trust and deception, showcasing how easily trust can be misplaced and how deception can lead to one’s downfall.
- Characterization: Horace Danby is portrayed as a meticulous but ultimately flawed character whose moral ambiguity and overconfidence lead to his downfall. The woman’s character is revealed to be cunning and deceptive, highlighting the theme of appearances versus reality.
- Plot Structure: The story follows a classic heist narrative with a twist, building up Horace’s confidence and then swiftly pulling the rug from under him with the unexpected twist of the woman’s deception.
- Moral: The story reinforces the idea that crime does not pay and highlights the importance of being cautious about whom to trust.
Important Questions
- 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?
- This question encourages students to think about the narrative clues and how they might have indicated the woman’s true identity.
- 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?
- This question focuses on the techniques of deception and Horace’s gullibility, prompting students to analyze the interaction between the characters.
- “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?
- This question asks students to delve into Horace’s moral ambiguity and what sets him apart from stereotypical thieves.
- Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
- This question examines Horace’s mistakes and overconfidence, leading to his ultimate failure.
“READ AND FIND OUT”
- What does Horace Danby like to collect? Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive books.
- Why does he steal every year? He steals every year to finance his passion for collecting rare books. He uses the money from his thefts to buy these books secretly.
- Who is speaking to Horace Danby? The person speaking to Horace Danby is a young woman who pretends to be a member of the family living at Shotover Grange.
- Who is the real culprit in the story? The real culprit in the story is the young woman who tricks Horace into opening the safe for her. She is also a thief and not a member of the family as she pretends to be.
In-Depth Questions
- 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? Yes, I began to suspect that the lady was not who she claimed to be when she knew too much about Horace’s activities and didn’t seem alarmed by his presence. Her calm and authoritative demeanor, along with her knowledge of Horace’s hay fever, seemed suspiciously convenient and out of character for someone who was supposedly surprised by an intruder.
- 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? The lady deceives Horace by confidently taking control of the situation, speaking in a calm and firm manner, and showing familiarity with the house and its contents. She also dresses and behaves in a way that fits Horace’s expectations of a wealthy homeowner. Horace does not suspect anything wrong because he is caught off guard and perhaps somewhat charmed by her appearance and demeanor. Additionally, his desire to avoid trouble makes him more willing to believe her story.
- “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? This description is apt for Horace because, on the surface, he lives a respectable life, running a successful business and maintaining a good reputation. However, his dishonesty lies in his secret life of crime, where he commits burglaries to fund his book collection. He cannot be categorized as a typical thief because he does not steal out of greed or malice but rather to support his love for books, and he carefully plans his thefts to avoid causing harm.
- Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why? Horace went wrong by letting his guard down and allowing himself to be deceived by the young woman. Despite his meticulous planning, he did not anticipate encountering someone who could outsmart him. His assumption that the woman was who she claimed to be, combined with his overconfidence and his desire to avoid conflict, led to his downfall.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished, or that he deserved what he got? Horace Danby, while not a typical malicious criminal, did engage in illegal activities and thus deserved some form of punishment. However, the severity of his punishment can be debated. Some may argue that he was unfairly punished due to being tricked by the young woman, while others might believe that his consistent criminal behavior warranted his eventual capture and punishment.
- Do intentions justify actions? Would you, like Horace Danby, do something wrong if you thought your ends justified the means? Do you think that there are situations in which it is excusable to act less than honestly? Intentions can sometimes provide context for actions but do not necessarily justify them. Acting dishonestly, even for seemingly good reasons, can lead to negative consequences and undermine ethical standards. It is generally better to seek honest and legal ways to achieve one’s goals. However, some may argue that in dire situations, acting less than honestly might be excusable, although this remains a complex ethical issue.
20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) along with their answers for the chapter “A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning:
4. “A Question of Trust”
- Who is the author of “A Question of Trust”?
- a) Robert Arthur
- b) O. Henry
- c) Victor Canning
- d) H.G. Wells
- Answer: c) Victor Canning
- What is the profession of the main character, Horace Danby?
- a) Lawyer
- b) Doctor
- c) Lockmaker
- d) House burglar
- Answer: d) House burglar
- What is Horace Danby’s peculiar habit?
- a) He steals only once a year
- b) He always leaves a note after stealing
- c) He only steals from rich people
- d) He never wears gloves while stealing
- Answer: a) He steals only once a year
- Why does Horace Danby steal?
- a) For fun
- b) To pay off debts
- c) To collect rare books
- d) To support his family
- Answer: c) To collect rare books
- Where does Horace Danby plan his theft in the story?
- a) At a museum
- b) At a jewelry store
- c) At a bank
- d) At a house in Shotover Grange
- Answer: d) At a house in Shotover Grange
- What was Horace Danby’s biggest mistake during his theft at Shotover Grange?
- a) Forgetting to wear gloves
- b) Forgetting to disable the alarm
- c) Trusting a stranger
- d) Leaving fingerprints
- Answer: c) Trusting a stranger
- Who does Horace meet inside the house?
- a) The owner
- b) A young woman claiming to be the owner’s wife
- c) A police officer
- d) Another burglar
- Answer: b) A young woman claiming to be the owner’s wife
- What does the young woman ask Horace to do?
- a) Help her with the burglary
- b) Leave immediately
- c) Open the safe
- d) Call the police
- Answer: c) Open the safe
- How does Horace feel about the young woman’s request?
- a) Suspicious but cooperative
- b) Annoyed and refuses
- c) Eager to impress her
- d) Scared and runs away
- Answer: a) Suspicious but cooperative
- What does Horace use to open the safe?
- a) A hammer
- b) A set of lock-picking tools
- c) A stethoscope
- d) A code given by the woman
- Answer: b) A set of lock-picking tools
- What does the young woman do after Horace opens the safe?
- a) Calls the police
- b) Ties him up
- c) Takes the jewelry and leaves
- d) Thanks him and lets him go
- Answer: c) Takes the jewelry and leaves
- What happens to Horace Danby after the theft?
- a) He escapes successfully
- b) He gets caught by the police
- c) He realizes his mistake and returns the jewelry
- d) He feels guilty and confesses
- Answer: b) He gets caught by the police
- How does Horace get caught by the police?
- a) His fingerprints are found
- b) He is betrayed by an accomplice
- c) The young woman reports him
- d) He is caught in the act
- Answer: a) His fingerprints are found
- What does Horace realize at the end of the story?
- a) He was fooled by a professional thief
- b) He should never trust anyone
- c) He needs to quit stealing
- d) He should work alone
- Answer: a) He was fooled by a professional thief
- What lesson does “A Question of Trust” primarily convey?
- a) Honesty is the best policy
- b) Trusting strangers can lead to trouble
- c) Crime does not pay
- d) Greed leads to downfall
- Answer: b) Trusting strangers can lead to trouble
- How does the young woman manipulate Horace?
- a) By threatening him
- b) By pretending to be the lady of the house
- c) By offering him a share of the loot
- d) By calling for help
- Answer: b) By pretending to be the lady of the house
- What does Horace enjoy doing in his spare time?
- a) Reading detective novels
- b) Collecting rare books
- c) Gardening
- d) Painting
- Answer: b) Collecting rare books
- How does Horace feel about his life as a burglar?
- a) Excited and fulfilled
- b) Nervous and regretful
- c) Confident and proud
- d) Guilty but justified
- Answer: d) Guilty but justified
- What does the story suggest about appearances and reality?
- a) They are always the same
- b) They can be deceptive
- c) They are unrelated
- d) They are insignificant
- Answer: b) They can be deceptive
- How is irony depicted in “A Question of Trust”?
- a) A thief gets robbed by another thief
- b) A policeman turns out to be a thief
- c) A wealthy man becomes poor
- d) A burglar helps to catch a criminal
- Answer: a) A thief gets robbed by another thief
These questions cover the key elements of the plot, characters, and themes in “A Question of Trust,” helping students to understand and remember the story better.
Main Characters of “A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning
- Horace Danby
- The Young Woman (Disguised Thief)
Comparison and Contrast
Horace Danby
- Appearance and Background:
- Description: About fifty years old, unmarried, lives with a housekeeper.
- Occupation: Locksmith with his own business and two helpers.
- Health: Suffers from hay fever.
- Reputation: Considered a good, honest citizen.
- Personality and Traits:
- Dual Nature: Appears respectable but secretly a burglar.
- Intelligent and Methodical: Carefully plans his annual robberies.
- Passionate: Loves rare, expensive books and steals to fund this passion.
- Naive and Trusting: Easily deceived by the young woman due to his good-natured disposition.
- Actions and Motivation:
- Reason for Theft: Steals to buy rare books.
- Preparation: Studies his targets meticulously.
- Execution: Careful not to leave fingerprints, uses gloves, and is well-versed in handling safes and alarms.
- Moral Conflict: Justifies his theft by targeting only the wealthy.
The Young Woman (Disguised Thief)
- Appearance and Background:
- Description: Young, pretty, dressed in red.
- Background: Poses as the wife of the house owner.
- Real Identity: Professional thief, her real background is unknown.
- Personality and Traits:
- Cunning and Deceptive: Skilled in manipulation and deceit.
- Confident and Charismatic: Easily gains Horace’s trust and controls the situation.
- Observant and Quick-thinking: Quickly assesses the situation and adapts her story.
- Actions and Motivation:
- Reason for Deception: Motivated by the desire to steal jewels.
- Manipulation: Convinces Horace to open the safe by posing as the owner’s wife.
- Execution: Uses charm and fabricated story to deceive Horace.
- Moral Ambiguity: No clear justification for her theft, purely driven by personal gain.
Comparison
- Professionalism:
- Horace: A professional in both his legitimate work (locksmith) and his secret criminal activities.
- Young Woman: Also a professional thief, though her methods rely more on psychological manipulation than physical skills.
- Motivation:
- Horace: Steals to fund his passion for rare books, sees himself as non-threatening to society.
- Young Woman: Steals jewels, motivation seems to be personal gain without any stated passion or higher purpose.
- Methodology:
- Horace: Meticulous planner, uses technical skills and knowledge.
- Young Woman: Relies on social skills, deception, and quick thinking.
- Interaction with Each Other:
- Horace: Initially tries to charm and negotiate, ultimately falls for the deception.
- Young Woman: Dominates the interaction, leading Horace to believe her fabricated story.
Contrast
- Moral Justification:
- Horace: Justifies his theft by stealing only from the wealthy and using the money for a personal, intellectual pursuit.
- Young Woman: No clear moral justification given, appears purely self-serving.
- Outcome:
- Horace: Ends up being deceived, arrested, and returns to prison.
- Young Woman: Successfully executes her plan, her fate after the theft remains unknown.
- Nature of Deception:
- Horace: Deceives society about his criminal activities but maintains a certain ethical code in his choice of targets.
- Young Woman: Deceives Horace directly, showing no ethical considerations or limits in her actions.
In summary, Horace Danby and the young woman in “A Question of Trust” serve as contrasting figures in the world of crime. While Horace is a careful planner with a justifiable motive in his own eyes, the young woman is a master manipulator who uses her wits and charm to achieve her goals, ultimately outsmarting Horace. Their interaction highlights themes of trust, deception, and the moral ambiguities of crime.
Main Characters of “A Question of Trust” by Victor Canning
- Horace Danby
- The Young Woman (Disguised Thief)
Comparison and Contrast
Horace Danby
- Appearance and Background:
- Description: About fifty years old, unmarried, lives with a housekeeper.
- Occupation: Locksmith with his own business and two helpers.
- Health: Suffers from hay fever.
- Reputation: Considered a good, honest citizen.
- Personality and Traits:
- Dual Nature: Appears respectable but secretly a burglar.
- Intelligent and Methodical: Carefully plans his annual robberies.
- Passionate: Loves rare, expensive books and steals to fund this passion.
- Naive and Trusting: Easily deceived by the young woman due to his good-natured disposition.
- Actions and Motivation:
- Reason for Theft: Steals to buy rare books.
- Preparation: Studies his targets meticulously.
- Execution: Careful not to leave fingerprints, uses gloves, and is well-versed in handling safes and alarms.
- Moral Conflict: Justifies his theft by targeting only the wealthy.
The Young Woman (Disguised Thief)
- Appearance and Background:
- Description: Young, pretty, dressed in red.
- Background: Poses as the wife of the house owner.
- Real Identity: Professional thief, her real background is unknown.
- Personality and Traits:
- Cunning and Deceptive: Skilled in manipulation and deceit.
- Confident and Charismatic: Easily gains Horace’s trust and controls the situation.
- Observant and Quick-thinking: Quickly assesses the situation and adapts her story.
- Actions and Motivation:
- Reason for Deception: Motivated by the desire to steal jewels.
- Manipulation: Convinces Horace to open the safe by posing as the owner’s wife.
- Execution: Uses charm and fabricated story to deceive Horace.
- Moral Ambiguity: No clear justification for her theft, purely driven by personal gain.
Comparison
- Professionalism:
- Horace: A professional in both his legitimate work (locksmith) and his secret criminal activities.
- Young Woman: Also a professional thief, though her methods rely more on psychological manipulation than physical skills.
- Motivation:
- Horace: Steals to fund his passion for rare books, sees himself as non-threatening to society.
- Young Woman: Steals jewels, motivation seems to be personal gain without any stated passion or higher purpose.
- Methodology:
- Horace: Meticulous planner, uses technical skills and knowledge.
- Young Woman: Relies on social skills, deception, and quick thinking.
- Interaction with Each Other:
- Horace: Initially tries to charm and negotiate, ultimately falls for the deception.
- Young Woman: Dominates the interaction, leading Horace to believe her fabricated story.
Contrast
- Moral Justification:
- Horace: Justifies his theft by stealing only from the wealthy and using the money for a personal, intellectual pursuit.
- Young Woman: No clear moral justification given, appears purely self-serving.
- Outcome:
- Horace: Ends up being deceived, arrested, and returns to prison.
- Young Woman: Successfully executes her plan, her fate after the theft remains unknown.
- Nature of Deception:
- Horace: Deceives society about his criminal activities but maintains a certain ethical code in his choice of targets.
- Young Woman: Deceives Horace directly, showing no ethical considerations or limits in her actions.
In summary, Horace Danby and the young woman in “A Question of Trust” serve as contrasting figures in the world of crime. While Horace is a careful planner with a justifiable motive in his own eyes, the young woman is a master manipulator who uses her wits and charm to achieve her goals, ultimately outsmarting Horace. Their interaction highlights themes of trust, deception, and the moral ambiguities of crime.
