Class 10 English Chapter 4: A Question of Trust

Class 10 English Chapter 4: A Question of Trust

A Question of Trust by Victor Canning is a fascinating tale about Horace Danby, a respectable but secretive thief who loves rare books. His quiet, dishonest life takes a turn when he is tricked by a clever woman during a burglary attempt. The story highlights themes of trust, deception, and the irony of life. Horace’s experience teaches the importance of being cautious and reminds us that things are not always as they seem.

CBSE Class 10 A Question of Trust Experiential Activities

Below, we have provided the links to downloadable PDFs of Experiential Learning Activity for class 10 English to help students implement their acquired knowledge in the real world.

<red> ➜  <red>A Question of Trust Experiential Activities

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CBSE Class 10 A Question of Trust Question Bank

Below, we have provided Class 10 English Question Banks that cover every typology question with detailed explanations from various resources in one place

<red> ➜   <red>A Question of Trust CBSE Question Bank

<red> ➜   <red>A Question of Trust Kendriya Vidyalaya Question Bank

Detailed Summary and Key Takeaways from A Question of Trust

Here’s a detailed summary and key takeaways from “A Question of Trust” for anyone who doesn’t read the chapter but wants a complete understanding:

Summary of the Chapter - A Question of Trust Class 10

Victor Canning’s A Question of Trust is an ironic story about Horace Danby, a fifty-year-old man who appears to be a respectable member of society. He is a bachelor, lives quietly with his housekeeper, and is known for his skill in making locks. However, Horace has a hidden side—he is a professional burglar who commits one robbery a year. The money from these thefts helps him maintain his passion for collecting rare books.

The Burglary Plan

One summer, Horace plans to rob a luxurious house, Shotover Grange, while the owners are away. Confident in his abilities, he thoroughly studies the place and ensures there are no guards or alarms. He even wears gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

The Encounter with the Woman

While breaking into the safe, Horace is interrupted by a charming woman dressed in red. She pretends to be the lady of the house and accuses him of being a thief. However, she claims she won’t call the police if he helps her retrieve the jewels from the safe. The woman tells Horace that she needs the jewels urgently as they are sentimental and important for a party that evening.

Believing her story, Horace agrees to help. He opens the safe for her using his expertise. The woman thanks him but warns him not to return, threatening to call the police if he does.

The Twist and Arrest

Horace leaves the house feeling satisfied that he was helping a lady in need. However, he is arrested a few days later when the police find his fingerprints on the safe. During the investigation, he learns that the woman was not the owner of the house but a clever thief who had tricked him into stealing the jewels for her.

Key Takeaways from the Chapter - A Question of Trust Class 10

Horace Danby’s Double Life:

• Outwardly, Horace is a respectable citizen with a peaceful lifestyle.
• Secretly, he is a skilled burglar who commits theft to fund his passion for rare books.

Planning and Overconfidence:

• Horace meticulously plans his burglaries, ensuring that no one suspects him.
• His overconfidence blinds him to the possibility of being deceived by someone smarter.

The Clever Woman:

• The woman in red is the story’s most cunning character. She manipulates Horace with her charm and lies.
• By pretending to be the homeowner, she tricks Horace into opening the safe for her.

Themes of Trust and Deception:

• The story highlights how appearances can be deceptive. Horace trusts the woman simply because she seems credible.
• It shows that even a skilled thief like Horace can be outwitted when he lets his guard down.

The Irony:

• Horace, who prides himself on his cleverness, is deceived by someone using his own skills against him.
• His careful planning fails when he makes the mistake of trusting a stranger.

Moral Lessons:

• Trust should be earned, not given blindly.
• Overconfidence can lead to one’s downfall, even if one is experienced.
• Actions have consequences; Horace’s dishonesty ultimately lands him in jail.

This chapter teaches students about the complexities of human behavior, the dangers of misplaced trust, and the consequences of unethical actions. It also entertains readers with its ironic twist and engaging narrative style, making it a memorable addition to Class 10 English.

Reference to Context Chapter - A Question of Trust Class 10

Here are three key passages from the chapter with questions to test your understanding:

Passage 1:

"Everyone thought that he was a good, honest citizen. He was about fifty years old and unmarried, and he lived with a housekeeper who worried over his health. In fact, he was usually very well and happy — except for attacks of hay fever in summer."

Questions:

1. What image does Horace Danby portray to society?
   Answer: Horace Danby appears to be a respectable and honest citizen, living a quiet life with his housekeeper.
2. What was the one problem Horace faced during summers?
   Answer: Horace suffered from hay fever during summers, which often made him uncomfortable.
3. Why do you think the author emphasizes Horace’s “good” image?
   Answer: The author highlights Horace’s “good” image to create an ironic contrast with his secret life as a thief.
4. What can we infer about Horace’s personality from this passage?
   Answer: Horace is shown to be careful, private, and somewhat deceptive, maintaining a respectable facade while hiding his true nature.

Passage 2:

"The voice was suddenly sharp. ‘And please remember,’ she said, ‘I want the jewels only. If I see you here again, I’ll call the police.”

Questions:

1. Who is speaking in this passage, and to whom?
   Answer: The woman in red is speaking to Horace Danby after tricking him into opening the safe.
2. Why does the woman threaten to call the police?
   Answer: She threatens to call the police to ensure that Horace does not suspect her or return to the house.
3. What does the woman’s sharp tone reveal about her character?
   Answer: Her sharp tone reveals her confidence, cleverness, and ability to control the situation.
4. What is ironic about this situation?
   Answer: The irony lies in the fact that a thief, Horace, is being tricked by someone more cunning than himself.

Passage 3:

"A quiet smile touched the corners of his lips as he thought of the forty thousand pounds’ worth of jewels in the safe. It was going to be a simple job. He would collect the jewels, leave the house, and go straight to the station."

Questions:

1. What does Horace plan to do after stealing the jewels?
   Answer: Horace plans to collect the jewels, leave the house unnoticed, and go straight to the station.
2. What does the “quiet smile” indicate about Horace’s state of mind?
   Answer: The “quiet smile” shows Horace’s confidence and satisfaction, as he believes the burglary will be easy and successful.
3. Why does Horace think this is a “simple job”?
   Answer: Horace thinks it is a simple job because he has carefully planned the burglary and sees no obstacles in his way.
4. How does this passage contribute to the suspense of the story?
   Answer: This passage builds suspense as the reader knows something unexpected might happen to disrupt Horace’s plans.

Lessons from the Story - A Question of Trust Class 10

1. Deception: Appearances can be misleading, as shown by the woman’s trickery.
2. Irony: The thief, who prided himself on being careful, gets caught due to misplaced trust.
3. Moral Reflection: Actions have consequences, even if one justifies them for personal satisfaction.

The Role of English Subject-Wise Material for Class 10

Studying effectively for Class 10 English requires the right tools. Websites like Educart offer comprehensive chapter-wise resources, such as:

• Exam-Style Questions: Practice RTCs, long and short answers.
• Easy Summaries: Simplified explanations to save time.
• Sample Papers: Mock exams with the CBSE format for better practice.

These materials bridge the gap between understanding the text and mastering the exam pattern.

Study Tips for Chapter - A Question of Trust Class 10

1. Focus on RTCs: Prepare 4–5 passages with questions and answers. CBSE often tests contextual understanding.
2. Practice Writing: Attempt long and short answer questions. Include examples from the text to support your points.
3. Create Flashcards: Write key themes, character traits, and vocabulary to revise quickly.
4. Mock Tests: Use Educart’s solved papers to evaluate your readiness.
5. Relate to Real Life: Think about situations where trust plays a key role—this helps in framing thoughtful answers.

“A Question of Trust” is a thought-provoking story that emphasizes the complexities of human behavior. To ace this chapter, focus on CBSE-style questions, understand the themes, and practice consistently. With the right resources and effort, you can confidently tackle this and other chapters in your Class 10 English exam.