What was the main reason for Tricki's sudden decline in health?
Answer
Tricki fell ill due to overfeeding by Mrs. Pumphrey and a total lack of physical exercise.
The correct answer is Tricki fell ill due to overfeeding by Mrs. Pumphrey and a total lack of physical exercise. — Conclude that overeating combined with zero exercise made Tricki bloated, lethargic, and seriously ill.
Step-by-step solution
- Analyze Tricki's daily routine and diet described at the beginning of the story.
- Observe that Mrs. Pumphrey gave him cream cakes, chocolates, malt, cod-liver oil, and bowls of Horlicks between meals.
- Note that Tricki's only physical activity was short walks, which stopped when the gardener Hodgkin had lumbago.
- Conclude that overeating combined with zero exercise made Tricki bloated, lethargic, and seriously ill.
Common mistake: Believing Tricki suffered from a severe biological infection or virus rather than overfeeding.
Concept tested: Causes of Tricki's illness
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Related questions
- 1 Analyse how the author uses contrast between Tricki’s appearance and his health to develop the theme of appearances versus reality.
- 2 Why did Mrs. Pumphrey call Tricki's recovery 'A Triumph of Surgery'?
- 3 Describe the gradual transformation in Tricki's behavior after his second day at the veterinary clinic.
- 4 How did Mr. Herriot treat Tricki during the first two days of his stay at the surgery?
- 5 Explain how Mr. Herriot’s attitude towards Tricki changes from the beginning to the end of the story.
- 6 Who was Tricki's wealthy owner in the story 'A Triumph of Surgery'?