NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 2 A Dog Named Duke

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 2 A Dog Named Duke

Question 1.
Duke is a Doberman. What are the other known breeds of dogs?
Answer:
Some other well known breeds of dogs are:

1. Poodle
2. Dach shund
3. Spaniel
4. Greyhound
5. German Shepherd
6. Labra dor
7. Dalmatian
8. Pekinese
9. Bulldog

Question 2.
Match the words in the boxes with their explanations given below:

(a) This is the other word for trembling
(b) This is used for smile
(c) You call a person this if he/she has pale gold coloured hair.
(d) This is a quality which relates to high energy and noise

(e) This is related to dancing or moving in a way that involves shaking your hips and shoulders

(f) This is to express a tendency to show violent and wild behaviour often causing damage
(g) We use it for a condition which is serious, uncertain and dangerous
(h) This is a state in which one is forced to stay in a closed space
(i) This is a medical condition involving bleeding in the brain
(j) It is a loud, deep shout to show anger.
(k) This is a condition when the rope or leash is stretched tightly
Answer:
(a) quivering
(b) grin
(c) blonde
(d) rambunctiousness
(e) shimmied
(f) rampageous
(g) critical
(h) confinement
(i) subdural haemorrhage
(k) bellow (k) taut

Question 3.
See textbook on page 14.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Question 4.
Based on your reading of the story answer the following questions by choosing the correct option:
(a) With reference to Hooper, the author says, “Every thing was going for him”. What does it imply?
(i) He had everything that a man aspires for.
(ii) People admired him.
(iii) He did what he wanted.
(iv) He was capable of playing games.
Answer:
(iii) He did what he wanted.

(b) Duke never jumped on Chuck again because ________
(i) Duke was paralysed and unable to jump.
(ii) Chuck was angry with Duke for jumping at him.
(iii) Duke realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.
(iv) Marcy did not allow Duke to come near Chuck.
Answer:
(iii) Duke realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.

(c) The author says that Duke ‘knew his job’ The job was __________
(i) to look after Chuck.
(ii) to get Chuck on his feet.
(iii) to humour Chuck.
(iv) to guard the house.
Answer:
(ii) to get Chuck on his feet.

(d) “_______ even Duke’s presence didn’t reach Chuck”. Why?
(i) Duke was locked in his kennel and Chuck couldn’t see him.
(ii) Duke hid himself behind the bed post.
(iii) Duke had come to know that Hooper was not well.
(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.
Answer:
(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.

Question 5.
Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Explain.
(b) They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at headquarters.

• Who are ‘they’?
• Why did they decide to do this?

(c) Duke was an extraordinary dog. What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this? Discuss.
(d) What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company headquarters?

(e) Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?
Answer:
(a) The year 1953 had been quite an auspicious year for Hooper. This youngman of six-feet- one-inch,’played in the university football team. He was already a ‘hard-charging’ zone sales manager for a chemical company. He was a man of highly competitive nature and always had a big genuine grin of satisfaction over his face. He was a favoured youngman liked by all. Everything was going well for him.

(b)

• They were men from Hooper’s chemical company. After the fifth week of the accident, some men from his company came to the hospital and told Hooper to take a year off
• Hooper’s company told him to take a year off. They also promised to create a desk job for him at headquarters. A man in a wheelchair with paralysed arm and leg couldn’t do the mobile job of a ‘hard- charging’ zone sales manager. Hence, a desk job was especially created for him at headquarters.

(c) Duke was a four year old Dobermann pinscher weighing 23 kilos. Chuck Hooper liked Duke for his energy and cheerfulness. Duke knew what he had to do for Hooper.
Once while jumping he hit Hooper about the belt, causing him to fight to keep his balance. He never jumped on Chuck Hooper again. With Hooper standing, the dog walked to the end of the leash and tugged steadily. Leaning against the pull, Hooper learned to keep his balance. In this way, Duke helped Hooper to go on for short walks.

(d) Chuck’s company had created a especial desk job for him. But when he returned to the company’s headquarters, this move created some problems. Chuck was fighting very hard for his come back. The people there didn’t know that Hooper had already set his next objective: ‘March 1, a full day’s work’. But no one dared to tell him that he couldn’t do justice to his job as a salesman. He couldn’t move properly and worked only an hour a day.

(e) Charles Hooper was finally appointed Assistant National Sales Manager. Hooper’s appointment letter was so worded as if it was a special tribute to Duke. The words were “………. therefore, to advance our objectives step by step, ………..” It was just ‘step by step’ that Hooper learnt to maintain his balance and go for short walks. Duke made Hooper walk again like a normal man only ‘step by step’.

Question 6.
Following dates were important in Charles Hooper’s life in some way. Complete the table by relating the description with the correct dates:

Answer:

Question 7.
Just A Minute
Given below are five qualities that Charles Hooper displayed during his struggle for survival.

Get into groups of four. Each team will choose one quality to talk about to the whole class for about one minute. But before you talk you have two minutes to think about it. You can make notes if you wish.
Answer:
Group A: Charles Hoopqr was a man of courage.
Group B: He met with such a horrible * accident but displayed great perseverance during his struggle for survival.
Group C: Leaning against the pull of leash held by his dog Duke, Hooper learnt how to hold the balance.
Group D: Many times he lost his balance and fell down exhausted. But he had wonderful endurance and it kept him going.
Group A: Hooper was a motivated man. He was full of determination. He declared that he would start a full day’s work at office from March 1.
Group B: He could surprise all his companions in the company. The company created a special desk job for him at the headquarters. But it created some problems.
Group C: No one was ready to tell him that a paralysed man couldn’t do the job of a moving salesman.
Group D  But he had great faith in himself and in his ability to do things. No doubt, all along his dog Duke helped him in his struggle for survival.

Listening Task
Question 8.
Listen to an excerpt from a news telecast on a national channel carefully and complete the table given below.
BRAVE HEARTS

Answer:

Writing Task
Question 9.
Read the diary entry written by Charles Hooper on the day he received the order, Charles Hooper is appointed Assistant National Sales Manager.”
March 1, 19… Thursday 10 pm
Last four years have been eventful. The day I brought Duke home… (Marcy was almost impolite to him because she would have preferred a Pomeranian to a Doberman)… to a stage on October 12, 1957 (when she would not allow anyone else to carry the injured Duke to the vet)… much water has flowed under the bridge. From being a very fit high-charging zone sales manager, I was reduced to a paralysed cripple forced to lie on a bed alone with my thoughts due to a small error by a car driver. Despair had led me on to helplessness… Was I to be a vegetable for the rest of my life ? I never wanted to be a burden on Marcy.

Duke’s re-entry into my life lifted my numb spirits. The day he made me take my first step, there was a rekindled hope. Duke assumed all the responsibility for leading me back to my office desk… Life had taken a full circle. From shock to denial and helplessness to anger, Duke taught me to cope with the challenge and led me to accept the changed mode of life. I am happy to be living as well as working successfully.

The order that I have received today is my tribute to Duke who would always be alive with me and be a part of everything else I achieve in my life.

When a person loses something, he is shocked and gets into a state of denial leading to anger. In such a situation coping well leads to acceptance and a changed way of living in view of the loss. Taking clues from what happened or might have happened with Hooper, write your views in the form of an article about’ ‘Coping with Loss’ in 150-175 words.
Answer:
Coping With Loss
Gain and Loss are the two facets of the same coin human life. Loss is inevitable at one time or the other in life. A man’s real courage, perseverance or endurance are tested only when a person loses something. The strong and the brave accept the loss. They say what can’t be cured must be endured. The weak lose their balance of mind and behaviour when they lose something. They lose their nerves to deal with such a thankless and unhappy position. The result is disastrous. They are shocked. They get into a state of denial leading to anger. They withdraw themselves. They are alienated from the mainstream of life. Coping well with such a situation leads to acceptance. And the acceptance leads to a changed way of living in view‘of the loss.

The protagonist of the story ‘A Dog Named Duke’ Hooper was a very dynamic, healthy and successful man before he met with a terrible accident. The accident reduces him to a paralysed cripple. He is forced to lie on bed. Despair leads him to helplessness. But Duke’s entry lifts his numb spirits. He decides to cope with the loss and accepts the reality. He moves to a changed way of life. The day he makes his first step, it rekindles hope in him. He accepts a desk job at the headquarters. But life must go on. So, he declares that he will start doing a full day’s work from March 1. He does succeed. His long patience, endurance and the ability to cope with the loss is rewarded. He is appointed Assistant National Sales Manager of his company.

Reference To Context

Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:

Question 1.
He was already a hard-charging zone sales manager for a chemical company. Everything was
going for him. (Page 14)
(a) Who does ‘He’ refer to here?
(b) What happened to the sales manager?
(c) What does the expression ‘ Everything was going for him’ mean here?
Answer:
(a) Chuck Charles Hooper is referred to here.
(b) He had a terrible accident. .
(c) Everything was going on well with him and for him.

Question 2.
Hooper remained on the critical list for a month. After the fifth week some men from his company came to the hospital and told Hooper to take a year off. They would create a desk job for him at headquarters. (Page 14)
(a) What had happened to Hooper?
(b) In which company did he work?
(c) What does the phrase ‘desk job’ mean here?
Answer:
(a) He had got a subdural haemorrhage in the motor section of the brain.
(b) He was working in a chemical company.
(c) A sitting job at the desk.

Question 3.
After the excitement of the homecoming wore off, Chuck hit a new low. At the hospital there had been other injured people, but now, each morning when Marcy quietly went to work, it was a gate slamming down. Duke was still in the kennel, and Chuck was alone with his thoughts. (.Pages 14-15)
(a) Who was Marcy?
(b) How did Chuck feel at home?
(c) What does the expression ‘Chuck hit a new low’ mean?
Answer:
(a) Marcy was Chuck’s wife.
(b) Chuck felt lonely at home.
(c) His condition at home became worse than before.

Question 4.
Those who saw it said the dog knew instantly. He never jumped on Chuck again. From that moment, he took up a post beside his master’s bed around the clock. (Page 15)
(a) What did the dog know instantly?
(b) Where was the dog before his master came home from the hospital?
(c) What does the phrase ‘around the clock’ mean?
Answer:
(a) The dog knew instantly that he had done a wrong thing by jumping on Chuck.
(b) The dog was in the kennel before his master came from the hospital.
(c) Always/all the time.

Question 5.
When two fellows stare at each other day in, day out, and one can’t move and the other can’t talk, boredom sets in. Duke finally couldn’t take it. From a motionless coil on the floor he’d spring to his feet, quivering with impatience. (Page 15)
(a) Who were the two fellows?
(b) Who was Duke?
(c) Why was he ‘quivering with impatience?’
Answer:
(a) Duke and Hooper were the two fellows.
(b) Duke was Hooper’s pet dog.
(c) He was impatient to go out for a walk with Hooper.

Question 6.
By mid-April neighbours saw a daily struggle in front of Marcy’s house. Out on the sidewalk they saw the dog pull his leash taut then stand and wait. The man would drag himself abreast of the dog, then the dog would surge out to the end of the leash and wait again. The pair set daily goals; Monday, the sixth fence post, Tuesday, the seventh fence post, Wednesday. (Page 16)
(a) ‘The daily struggle’ was between whom?
(b) Explain the line: ‘The pair set daily goals’.
(c) ‘The man would drag himself abreast of the dog. ’ What does the word ‘abreast’ mean here?
Answers:
(a) ‘The daily struggle’ was between Hooper and his dog named Duke.
(b) Hooper and Duke fixed their target, how much to walk every day.
(c) Walking next to each other.

Question 7.
Back in the company’s headquarters, Chuck’s move presented problems—tough ones. When a man fights that hard for a comeback, who wants to tell him he can’t handle his old job? (Page 17)
(a) Who was Chuck Hooper?
(b) What was his old job?
(c) Why couldn’t he handle his old job?
Answer:
(a) Chuck Hooper was a sales manager in a chemical company.
(b) Being a sales manager he had to do the field work. ,
(c) He couldn’t handle his old job as he met with an accident which made him unable to do field work.

Question 8.
A few weeks ago, worded as if in special tribute to Duke, an order came through from the chemical company’s headquarters: “ therefore, to advance our objectives step by step, Charles Hooper is appointed Assistant National Sales Manager.” (Page 17)
(a) Who paid a special tribute to Duke?
(b) What does the expression ‘advance objectives step by step’ mean?
(c) Who helped Hooper the most?
Answer:
(a) Charles Hooper’s company paid a special tribute to Duke.
(b) Moving towards your goal step by step.
(c) His pet dog named Duke helped Hooper the most advance his objectives step by step.

Extract Based Questions                         (3 Marks each)

Question 1:
Read the extract given below and answer the questions/complete the sentences that follow:
“All they knew was that their new neighbour walked like a struggling mechanical giant and that he was
always pulled by a rampageous dog……”
(a) Who does ‘they7 stand for?
(b) Who walked like a struggling giant and why?
(c) What does the word, ‘rampageous’ mean?  
Answer:
(a) Neighbours.
(b) Check as his can side was paralyped
(c) Showing violent and wild behaviour 

Question 2:
‘Go run around the house Duke’. But Duke wouldn’t.He’d lie down with a reproachful eye on Hooper.
(a) What do these lines tell us about Duke?
(b) Reproachful means
(c) Duke was unhappy with Hooper because 
Answer:
(a) Duke was determined to make his master get up.
(b) Expressing disapproval.
(c) Hooper was not showing any interest in taking Duke out for a walk. 

Question 3:
He never jumped on Chuck again. From that moment, he took up a post beside his master’s bed around the clock.
(a) Why did Duke never jump to Chuck again?
(b) What special quality did Duke exhibit here?
(c) Why did he take a post beside his master’s bed?     (Board Term I, 2012, Set 35)
Answer:
(a) Duke was shocked to see that his master could not maintain his balance when he had jumped on him.
Immediately, he understood his master’s problem and never jumped on him again.
(b) Duke was sensitive, loving and caring.
(c) Duke knew that his master needed company, so he took a post beside his master’s bed.     (1 × 3 = 3)

Question 4:
When two fellows stare at each other, day in, day Out, and one can’t move and the other can’t talk, boredom
sets in.
(a) Who are the ‘two fellows’ here? Mention who can’t talk and who can’t move.
(b) Who tried to break the ‘boredom’ and how?
(c) How could the boredom harm the fellows?  (Board Term 1,2012, Set 39 and Set 45)
Answer:
(a) Chuck Hooper and his dog Duke are the two fellows here. Duke can’t talk while Chuck can’t move.
(b) Duke tried to break the boredom by forcing Chuck to take him for a walk. ,
(c) Duke felt restless and uneasy; whereas this state of inactivity would have made Chuck completely confined to the bed.     (1 × 3 = 3)

Question 5:
A few weeks ago, worded as if in a special tribute to Duke, an order came through from the chemical company’s headquarters.
(a) Who is Duke? What has happened to him?
(b) What did the order say?
(c) How was it a tribute to Duke?
Answer:
(a) Duke is Chuck Hooper’s pet dog. He has met with an accident.
(b) The order said that Chuck had been promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager. .
(c) It was a tribute to Duke as he only was responsible for his promotion. So, the credit goes to him.                   (1 × 3 = 3)

Question 6:
Thirteen months from the moment he worked full days. Chuck Hooper was promoted as the Regional Manager covering more than four states.
(a) What helped Chuck Hooper achieve the promotion mentioned here?
(b) What did Chuck’s promotion reveal about the company’s management?
(c) Who did Chuck owe his success to himself or Duke?   (Board Term 1,2012, Set 42)
Answer:
(a) Hooper’s strong determination helped him to achieve the promotion.
(b) Chuck’s promotion revealed that the company’s management was compassionate and fair. They had full faith in the abilities of their employees.
(c) Chuck owed his success to both, to himself and Duke. Both were equally responsible. Without Duke he would never have been able to walk again.                                                         (1 × 3 = 3)

Question 7:
He was a 23kilo missile of joy. He hit Chuck above die belt, causing him to fight to keep his balance.
(a) Who has been called a ‘missile of joy’?
(b) How did he hit Chuck? Why?
(c) Why did Chuck find it difficult to maintain his balance?  (Board Term 1,2012, Set 43)
Answer:
(a) Chuck’s dog, Duke, has been called ‘a missile of joy’.
(b) Duke jumped with great excitement to express his joy on meeting his master.
(c) Chuck did not expect Duke to jump on him suddenly and that too with such great force. Secondly, his disability did not allow him to withstand the impact.

Short Answer Type Questions        

Question 1:
How did Duke meet his end?  (Board Term 1,2014 FROK4WI)
Answer:
On the evening of 12, October 1957, the Hooper had guests as Hooper had got quite well. Suddenly, they heard the screech of brakes outside. When Chuck looked outside, he was awestruck. Duck had met with a serious accident. His injuries were severer and he died. This day brought darkness in the lives of the Hoopers.

Question 2:
How much time did it take for Chuck to stand on his own feet?     (Board Term 1,2014, MZPD310)
Answer:
After the accident, Chuck remained in the hospital for a month., in a critical stage. When he came home on his wheelchair, his dog Duke helped him walk back into life step by step, day by day.Chuck was discharged from the hospital on March and by mid-April he was able to stand on his feet

Question 3:
Why did Chuck visit his office? What problem did it present before all?  (Board Term 1,2014 NCT-R)
Answer:
Chuck visited his office with an offer of spending an hour a day. But his bosses were in dilemma. They did not know what to do with a salesman who was unable to move around and could work only an hour a day.

Question 4:
What was Duke’s reaction when he saw Chuck after he came back from the hospital?  (Board Term 1,2014 ZEZDXJX)
Answer:
When Chuck was brought home, Duke could not contain himself on seeing his master. In sheer joy, he jumped on his master; though he seemed to realize soon that he should not have done so.

Question 5:
‘It was like lighting a fuse. Duke shimmied himself U-shaped in anticipation’. Explain.
(Board Term 1,2013, PNZTXU?)
Answer:
The line refers to the effects that Chuck had on the dog, Duke .One evening, Chuck  hooked the leash to Duke’s collar.The dog jumped in anticipation that his master would take him for a walk.The dog was excited as Chuck had showed no interest in making an effort to walk. The dog’s coaxing.
(CBSE Marking Scheme 2013,)2

Question 6:
Do you think that the story of Duke and Chuck is an inspiration for those who give up without trying?  (Board Term I, 2013, PNZTXU9)
Answer:
The story conveys that, ‘when all is lost, future still remains’.All challenges, all tragedies and all handicaps of life can be overcome with strong determination, persistent hardwork, patience and a little co-operation form loved ones. They can help one change one’s destiny.

Question 7:
What special qualities did Duke exhibit to be an extraordinary dog?  (Board Term 1,2013, PNZTXU9)
Answer:
A rough-playing, 23-Kilo Doberman Pinscher, Duke was a four-year-old  red-coloured dog of incalculable enthusiasm. Full of life, he loved to have boisterous fun, but once he realized his master’s grave problem, he took upon himself the responsibility of bringing him bade to his feet. His extraordinary intelligence sincerity and tenacity endeared him to the Hoopers and the people around them.

Question 8:
How was chuck Injured in the accident?  (Board Term 12013, AGRO-91; 2012, EWAJ2JM Set 34)
Answer:
One evening in the autumn season, Chuck Hooper was returning home after the day’s work in his car. Suddenly, another car, in front of him, applied brakes and Hooper’s car banged into it. Hooper suffered severe brain injuries. Consequently, the left side of his body got paralyzed.

Question 9:
Why was 4th january an eventful day for Chuck Hooper?  (Board Term 1,2013, NUZJUD2; 20l2, Set 47)
Answer:
4th January was an eventful day for Chuck Hooper because that day he walked 200 metre without Duke’s support from the clinic to his office. Chuck also decided to work for an hour that day.

Question 10:
In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Explain.   (Board Term 1,2013, EWAJ2JM)
Or
What kind of a man was Charles Hooper before the tragic accident?   (Board Term 1,2812, Set 61)
Answer:
Hooper was a favoured young man who had everything in life, popularity, success and a respectable job. He was once a player of the university football team.He was the Zonal Sales Manager in a chemical company and was very ambitious.

Question 11:
Write a character sketch of Hooper.   (Board Term 1,2012, Set 28)
Answer:
Hooper Was a popular, civilized, cheerful, hard-working young: man holding a high position in his company. An accident left him completely paralyzed.He felt depressed and lost With Duke’s help, he was able to make tentative, movements. ,
Encouraged by his success and with Duke’s help, his steely will bore fruit. He resumed his office work and was promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager.

Question 12:
What targeted Chuck hit on 1st March? Who helped him?    (Board Term 1,2012, Set 48)
Answer:
On 1st Match, Chuck started working for the whole day. His dog, Duke, played a vital role in bringing his life back to normal. He had motivated him and helped him in his exercises.

Question 13:
How did Hooper take his first step after the accident?   (Board Term I, 2012, Set 46)
Answer:
One day Chuck idly hooked the leash on Duke’s collar.It was as if the dog understood what he had to do. He forced to his feet. With Marcy’s support, he put his left foot forward. Slowly and cautiously he took some more steps.

Question 14:
How did Chuck and Marcy differ in their views regarding dogs?    (Board Term I,2012, Set 50)
Answer:
Chuck loved dogs while Marcy did not have a liking for them. Hooper brought Duke much against the wishes of Marcy Marcy took a long time to adjust with and to get along with Duke, their dog.

Question 15:
How did Marcy react after Duke met with a fatal accident?   (Board Term 1,2012, Set 51)
Answer:
Though Marcy was worried and distressed, she herself carried him to the hospital and got him the best possible treatment.

Question 16:
Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as the Assistant National Sales Manager was considered as a tribute to Duke?    (Board Twin 1,2012, Set 55)
Answer:
Charles Hooper’s appointment as the Assistant National Sales Manager was considered as a tribute to Duke because this was in consonance with the fighting spirit of Duke. Duke had assumed all tire responsibility for leading him back to his office desk. He had rekindled a hope in Hooper and had taught him to cope with the challenge successfully.

Question 17:
How did the members of the staff react when Chuck visited his district office without Duke?    (Board Term 1,2012, Set 56)

Or

What was the reaction of the staff when Chuck visited his district office? What did he say to his manager Gorden Doule? (Board Term 1,2010, Set C2)
Answer:
When Chuck visited his District Office without Duke, his colleagues were amazed. He told the manager that he would come to the office daily for at least one hour.

Question 18:
Why was Hooper depressed after coming home from the hospital?      (Board Term I, 2012, Set 59)

Or

Why was Hooper depressed at home after being releazed from the hospital?  (Board Term 1,2010, Set C2)
Answer:
Hooper had suffered from a paralytic attack and was unable to move or walk. When his wife, Marcy left for work everyday, he was left alone in the house, he was bed-ridden and missed company. He was then hit by pain and grief and felt depressed.

Question 19:
How did Marcy react when Duke was run over by a car?   (Board Term 1,2012, Set 65)
Answer:
Marcy was not really a dog lover but over a period of time, she had developed a soft corner far Duke. She was deeply distressed when she saw Duke’s pathetic condition.She told the people around her to phone the vet. Refusing help, she picked up Duke and drove him to the animal hospital where he breathed his last the next morning.

Question 20:
How did Hooper feel when he returned to his home?  (Board Term 1,2012, Set 68)
Answer:
When Hooper returned he was excited at first. Later, as he was bed-ridden, he felt lonely and depressed as Marcy went out for work.

Question 21:
What efforts were made by Duke to bring his master Charles back to his feet once again? Give atleast two instances. (Board Ham 1,2010, Set Al)
Answer:
(i) Duke couldn’t bear Chuck on bed and so quivering with impatience he went to the bed and poked his nose under Charles’ elbow and provoked him to get up.
(ii) During Charles initial efforts, Duke kept the leash taut so that Charles would not get disbalanced.

Question 22:
What is considered as a fitting tribute to Duke by Chuck? Why? (Board Term I, 20l0, Set C2)
Answer:
Chuck was promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager. Duke had played a vital role in once again bringing him back to his feet. He had motivated him and helped him in his exercises.

Question 23:
Which incident transformed Chuck Hooper from a favoured young man to an unfortunate young man? (Board &, 2010, Set B1)
Answer:
Chuck had everything going for him—a job, house and family when a car accident left him paralysed on his left side, robbing him of the ability to talk or move.

Question 24:
What problems did Chuck face on returning to the company headquarters? (Board Term l, 2010, Set C2)
Answer:
Chuck worked hard for a comeback, but as a salesman he couldn’t move.He was confuted to his chair.Initially, he was able to work only for an hour.

Question 25:
“Duke lay down with a reproachful eye on Hooper.” What is Duke trying to convey to Hopper?   (Board Term 1,2010, Set B1)
Answer:
Duke looks at Hooper critically as if trying to convey his displeasure at Hooper’s weakness, his inability to fight his condition.

Question 26:
What led Marcy to limit the course of physiotherapy? (Board2010 Set A2)
Answer:
Duke was working very hard with Hooper.He took him for walks, very patiently waiting for each of Hooper’s steps. Marcy immediately realized that physiotherapy wouldn’t be that much help as compared to the dog’s efforts to help him recover, so she limited the course of physiotherapy.

Question 27:
Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as the Assistant National Sales Manager considered to be a tribute to Duke?
Answer:
Charles Hooper was appointed Assistant National Sales Manager and the credit for this goes to the dog Duke. It was only because of Duke that Hooper could leave his wheelchair and start walking.Duke assumed all the responsibility for leading him back to his office-desk. He had rekindled a hope in Hooper and had taught him to cope with the challenge successfully. That’s why his fresh promotion was a tribute to Duke.

Question 28:
They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at the headquarters.
(i)  Who are they?
(ii) Why did they decide to do this?
Answer:
The word ‘they’ refers to the office colleagues of Hooper who came from the company to tell him to take a year off. They decided to do this as Hooper was in a critical stage.He had been put on a wheelchair as his arms and legs were paralyzed. Hooper had a field job which he would not be able to manage with these physical conditions.

Long Answer Type Questions          (80-100 Words) (4 Marks each)

Question 1:
One is often unable to taste the fruit of one’s hard work. Explain with reference to the story ‘A Dog Named Duke’.
(Board Term 12015 BR7GWHM, 6SOOKQ5)
Answer:
Value points:
Chuck and Duke shared understanding and responsibility for each other
Chuck made the effect and finally walked because of duke.
Duke remained at his side during his most difficult time.    (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015) 4
Detailed Answer:
Duke was a loyal, faithful, understanding and intelligent dog. He had realized Chuck’s handicap after their very first meeting. Since then he did not ever jump at him after that. Duke would keep on motivating Chuck to move by nudging and poking him. He took Chuck for walk every day, covering a greater distance than before every time. Later, he insisted on two rounds in a day. Largely due to Duke’s efforts Chuck recovered. Yet, when the time came to reap the fruits of one’s efforts, to see Chuck being promoted in the office, he died. But such kind acts are always remembered by the one who are benefitted by his efforts. They are regarded as motivators and God’s messengers.

Question 2:
Charles Hooper’s life is a source much of inspiration for the normal people as it is for the physically challenged ones. Do you agree? What values can be learnt from his life?  [Value Based Question] (Board Term 12013, AGRO-91)

Or

Discuss the message conveyed in the story, ‘A Dog Named Duke’.  (Board Term 12013, XITIMG7)
Answer:
Life is a continuous journey; a strange mixture of sweetness, bitterness, joys and sorrows. Some are unable to stand upright in the times of adversity and crumble but those who maintain courage and endurance, succesfully overcome the grief. Chuck could have chosen to remain paralysed and not respond to Duke’s helpful gestures. But he kept the flame of hope kindled and with his strong will power, overcomes His handicap. The story conveys the message that coping up with the challenges of life and accepting them as they come can give one an inner strength to find solutions to the most complex problems of life.

Question 3:
Charles Hooper was a man of exemplary courage and perseverance. Nominate him for an award the “Hero Amongst Us”.  (Board Term 12012, Set 72)
Answer:
Charles Hooper was a man of courage. He met with a serious accident and became paralyzed but then mustered courage to adapt himself to the new situation. He displayed great perseverance during his struggle for survival with the help of his dog Duke. Not a single day went effortless. There was a commendable gradual progress from moving a step on the first day of his effort to walking up to the porch, then to the fence post, to the intersection and finally to the district office.Many a times he lost his balance and fell down exhausted but he had wonderful endurance that kept him going.Hooper was a person full of determination. He set dates as objectives and with the help of Duke, could achieve the same. He had faith in himself and in his ability, No one could dare to say that a paralyzed man couldn’t do the job of a moving salesman taking into account the hard work he did for a successful comeback. Hence, they created a special desk job for him. All along, his dog Duke helped him in his struggle for survival.’ Undoubtedly his courage and power of endurance mate him a strong contender for the award Hero Amongst Us.

Question 4:
As Chuck, write a letter to your friend in about 150 words sharing your experiences after your accident and Duke’s efforts to get you back on your road to success.   (Board Term 12012, Set 34)
Answer:
Marcy House
23rd September, 1957
Dear Robert,
Hope you are in best of spirits.
Duke has proved to be a saviour in our lives. Though he was a playful dog, yet Marcy disliked him. When I met with an accident,1 suffered from subdural haemorrhage that left toy left side paralyzed.’ I was completely bed-ridden. To give me company, Duke was called back from the kennel. He was an extraordinary dog. His techniques were unique. He urged me to walk. He rekindled a hope in me and taught me to cope up with the challenge successfully. We strived daily and with gradual and constant efforts, I was out of the wheelchair. I not only conquered my handicap with Duke’s assistance but also regained my job and was also promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager.
Sadly, Duke met with an accident one day and we were heartbroken at his sudden death. My life today is the gift of Duke only. Tears well up in my eyes at the thought of his loss.
Reply to me soon.
With lots of love
Chuck

Question 5:
Imagine you ate Chuck and you are upset over Duke’s death. You wish to give a tribute to Duke. Write an article titled ‘Duke—My Saviour’ in about 150 words. (Board Term 12012, Set 39)
Answer:
Duke—My Saviour
Duke was my best friend, the saviour of my life. He was a Doberman Pinscher, a loyal and a dedicated breed. He was responsible for getting me back on my feet after the accident that left me paralysed on the left Side due to subdural haemorrhage. He was concerned about my health and hence assumed all the responsibility to make me stand on my feet again.
He took me for a walk everyday. I, who was totally bed-ridden, was able to move and walk because of the sincerity, confidence and dedication of Duke.I not only got my job back but also a promotion and I owe it all to my friend, Duke. Little did I realize that I would lose him forever in an accident. All that I am today is just because of him and my life itself is a gift from him.

Question 6:
Chuck Hooper is asked to deliver a speech, after his complete recovery. Write the Speech in about 150 words for him emphasising the traits of his character which helped him to cope with the crisis that came in his life. (Board Term 12012, Set 64)
Answer:
Good morning dear friends, ……
One needs to be strong in order to face the challenges of life.The credit of my recovery, undoubtedly, goes to Duke but my firm determination will power helped me to fight against all odds. I had complete faith in myself and my companion, Duke. His presence, like a shadow next to me, gave me confidence to venture out on the road. .
Courage and perseverance fortify a person. They help him get a control on his life. My tenacious nature helped me to resume work. Having a positive attitude, patience and faith helped me to overcome the adverse circumstances.

Question 7:
Give a character sketch of Chuck Charles Hooper in your own words citing examples from the lesson ‘A Dog Named Duke’ in about 150 words.              (Board Term 12012, Set 28, Set 45)
Answer:
Chuck Hooper was a dynamic and a competitive young man. He became the Sales Manager in a chemical factory at a Very young age. He was determined and courageous and took life as a challenge. He always wore a smile on his face. After the accident, he was a physical and mental wreck but he had complete faith in himself and his companion, Duke. He worked hard on his fitness with the help of Duke and with courage, faith, determination and endurance he showed signs of significant recovery in the health conditions. He kept trying to get back on his ‘feet and walk despite of all odds. With slow and steady persuasion, Duke became instrumental in helping him 6n the road to recovery and success. He was not only back on job but also got promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager. He gave the credit of his success to Duke who will always be an integral part of his life.

Question 8:
How did the dog help Chuck come out of his critical condition?

Or

Duke was an extraordinary dog. What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this? Discuss.    (Textual) (Board Term 12012, Set 58)
Answer:
Duke, the dog played a very significant role in bringing Chuck out of his critical condition. He was an extraordinary dog having special qualities and was the one who helped Chuck to increase his stability and endurance. He would take Chuck for a walk along the street, increasing the target everyday. He would stand still when Chuck sometimes struggled to get-up after tripping and falling. Even though he was a dog, he had assumed the responsibility of getting Chuck back on his feet, which he successfully did.
Duke was a faithful and a loyal dog with extraordinary powers. He knew how impossible challenges could be accomplished. He nudged, needled, poked and forced his master to walk. He set new goals for him everyday. Chuck’s success is a tribute to his extraordinary dog.

Question 9:
When a person loses something, he is shocked and gets into a state of denial leading to anger. In such a situation, coping well leads to acceptance and a changed way of living in view of the loss. Taking clues from what happened or might have happened to Hooper, write your views on ‘Coping with Losses’.  (Value Based Question) (Board Term 12012, Set 54)
Answer:
Loss is an inevitable part of life. During our lifetime we experience a variety of losses like the death of a beloved, loss of job financial security, or a relationship breakup. With loss comes grief. It is a very stressful phase of life. It can very quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. The most important thing is not let your grief control your life. Support of someone is very essential to combat grief.
Chuck had everything going for him—a job, house and family but an accident robbed him of the ability to talk and move. He was then hit by pain and grief and felt depressed. Duke, his Doberman proved to be a Saviour in his life. He rekindled a hope in the family and taught him to cope with the challenge successfully. He not only conquered his handicap with Duke’s assistance and regained his job but was also promoted as the Assistant National Sales Manager.
We should take inspiration from his life and should remain firm and strong in challenging adversities,

Question 10:
Imagine you are Many. You have seen your husband’s struggle against all odds to finally get back to work. You are happy that he has been promoted to the post of Assistant National Sales Manager. Write a letter to a friend felling her about Chuck’s courage and determination.  (Board Term 12012, Set 48)
Answer:
37-A, Vasant Vihar,
New Delhi
13th February, 20 xx
Dear Julien,
Hope you are in best of spirits.
I am heartbroken at the sudden death of Duke. His death is a great loss for my family. How can I forget what he has done for our family.Chuck is well settled today and living a normal life but this happiness is a gift from Duke. We owe everything to Duke.
The credit of Chuck’s recovery undoubtedly goes to Duke but his firm determination and iron willpower have also helped him to fight against all odds. The way Chuck regained his balance is by no means a Joke. I have seen the intelligent handling of Duke and the unconditional faith and trust in between the two. I am happy that he has been promoted to the post of Assistant National Sales Manager. He is doing well but I feel sad as Duke is no more. His positive attitude, patience and faith in Duke has helped him overcome the adverse circumstances and reach such heights. We owe our happiness to the extraordinary dog, Duke.
Do write soon.
Truly yours,
Marcy

Question 11:
Imagine you are Chuck and you are upset over Duke’s death. You wish to give a tribute to Duke. You consider Duke to be an angel who came as a saviour for you. Write your views in your diary.     (Board Term 12012, Set 47)
Answer:
Monday,25thNovember,20xx
10:30 p.m.
Dear Diary
After the car accident, I was completely bed-ridden due to the paralytic stroke on my left side, I was left alone in the house and missed company. 1 was then hit by pain and grief and felt depressed and lost. It was at this crucial juncture that Duke, my Doberman came as an angel in my life. He is responsible for getting me back on my feet. He assumed all the responsibility to make me stand on my feet. His sincerity, confidence and dedication brought me out of the deep, distressing water.I not only got my job back, but was also promoted.
On 13 October 1957, Duke met with a fatal end. Little did I realize that I would lose him forever in an accident. His death has left a void in my life. My promotion to Assistant National Sales Manager is a special tribute to Duke. I owe a great deal to Duke, his devotion and dedication.My life itself is a gift from him. I am forever grateful to him and owe my success to him
Good night diary.

Question 12:
Marcy was not fond of dogs and more so of big dogs. Yet when Duke died, she was devastated. After many days, she was able to pen down her feelings in her diary. Write a page of Marcy’s diary.   (Board Term 12010, Set Cl)
Answer:
Dear Diary,
It has been a month since we buried Duke. Tears well up in my eyes, at the thought of his loss. People whom I have not met for two years might feel surprised at the change that has come in my attitude. Oh! how I hated that huge dog when Chuck brought him home, he seemed to take so much place and expected everyone to pamper him. Somehow I feel that Duke knew that I didn’t like him, so he remained out of my way. He was so much Chuck’s dog that he would follow him like a shadow. That fareful accident changed my life for better or worse. My first instinct as to put Duke into a kennel as the thought or looking after him in the absence of Chuck was unthinkable. I finally got him home after much pressure from all quarters. Chuck who was slowly going into depression didn’t really care at that time, A chance touch at the collar of Duke charged him up. It was as if Duke had become the instructor and Chuck the student. I saw the silent understanding, I saw the intelligent handling, I saw the unconditional faith and trust in each other. Gradually, I realized how ignorant I had been, how I had missed the opportunity to befriend this lovely creature who was ready in attendance. The way he helped Chuck regain his balance is by no means joke. The last two years of his life, Duke devotedly served his master. I am amazed at the change that has come over me. My tolerance level for big dogs has increased. I was heart broken at his sudden death. If only I had shown him my love before, but man cannot turn put the clock back.
Good Night.