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. These notes include everything covered in the Class 10 English Syllabus for Chapter 4: A Question of Trust.

English Class 10 Notes - Ch 4 A Question of Trust

The "A Question of Trust" Chapter 4 Notes will give a clear summary and topic-wise details to help you understand the story better. Below, you’ll find links to downloadable PDF notes for Class 10 English, divided by different marks categories.

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Important Notes from A Question of Trust Class 10

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

a) A Question of Trust Summary 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.

b) 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.

c) 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.

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.

Important Questions from 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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Not understanding the main message – Don’t just focus on the plot; make sure you understand the deeper meaning of trust and honesty in the story.

🚫 Skipping character analysis – Pay attention to the traits of characters like the narrator and the thief, as their actions are key to the story's moral.

🚫 Ignoring the setting – The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the story. Don’t overlook its significance.

🚫 Not practicing with questions – Make sure to solve practice questions to understand how to answer effectively in exams.

🚫 Overlooking the theme of deception – The theme of deception is central to the story. Don’t miss how it connects to the idea of trust.

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. Sample papers and previous year questions are better to practice for board exams

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. Happy Learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bholi Summary?

"Bholi" is the story of a simple, shy girl who is neglected and looked down upon by her family due to her appearance and stutter. Despite facing many difficulties, she eventually becomes strong and independent. The turning point in the story comes when Bholi refuses to marry a man who doesn’t respect her, and instead, she chooses her own path towards a better life, gaining self-confidence.

Who is Bholi in the story?

Bholi is a young girl who is initially considered "backward" due to her stutter and appearance. She is neglected by her family and is not treated with love and care. However, as the story progresses, Bholi finds courage and develops into a confident woman who makes her own decisions.

What are the main themes of the story "Bholi"?

The main themes of the story are self-respect, empowerment, and overcoming adversity. It highlights the importance of education in building confidence, as Bholi transforms from a shy, neglected girl into a strong, independent woman who stands up for herself. It also sheds light on the issue of societal prejudices.

How does Bholi change throughout the story?

At first, Bholi is a timid and insecure girl, but after receiving education from her teacher, she gains confidence. She refuses to marry a man who insults her and chooses to stay single, realizing her worth and deciding to live life on her own terms.

Why does Bholi refuse to marry the man her parents choose for her?

Bholi refuses to marry the man her parents choose because he insults her by calling her ugly and criticizing her appearance. This becomes the moment when Bholi realizes that she deserves respect and refuses to let anyone belittle her, showing her newfound self-confidence.