NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 2 A Dog Named Duke
By William D. Ellis
- 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
(i) he had everything that a man aspires for.
(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 realized that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.
(iv) Marcy did not allow Duke to come near Chuck.
Answer
(iii) Duke realized 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. - Answer the following questions briefly
a) In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Explain.
Answer
In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man. Standing Six-foot-one, he’d played on the university football team. He was already a hard-charging zone sales manager for a Chemical company.
b) 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
i) ‘They’ were the men from Hooper’s company who had asked him to take a year off for recovery.
ii) They decide to do this to allow Cooper to recuperate and when he got back, he wouldn’t have to do a sales job that needed perfect health.
c) Duke was an extraordinary dog. What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this? Discuss.
Answer
Duke most certainly was an extraordinary dog. He was the main reason why Chuck was able to walk again. He pushed and pestered his master to start waking. He was very perceptive and knew exactly how much to push his master to walk.
d) What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company headquarters?
Answer
When Chuck returned to the company headquarters, there was already a replacement manager in his place. So how to place Hooper back and also let him do a sales job with his limited mobility was the problem that he presented on his return.
e) Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Sales Manager can be considered to be a tribute to Duke?
Answer
Charles Hooper’s appointment as assistant national sales manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke because just as Duke helped Chuck to walk again, step by step Chuck’s appointment advanced the objectors of the company step by step.
f) What thoughts do you think might have crossed Chuck’s mind when Marcy quietly went to work and Chuck was alone with his thoughts’?
Answer
When Marcy quietly went to work, Chuck was left alone with his thoughts. He might have felt helpless, frustrated, and burdened by his condition. Once strong and successful, he now feared an uncertain future. Memories of his active life may have haunted him, making him feel lonely and useless. However, deep inside, a faint desire to recover and regain control of his life may have still remained.
g) ‘Small wins help achieve big goals.’ Support, with evidence from the text, to show how this applies to Chuck.
Answer
Chuck’s recovery was a result of many small wins that led to a big goal. With Duke’s help, he began by standing, then taking a few steps, and gradually increased the distance. Each small step was a victory over his weakness. These consistent efforts rebuilt his strength and confidence, eventually helping him return to work. His journey proves that small achievements can lead to major success. - The following dates were important in Charles Hooper’s life in some way. Complete the table by relating the given details with the correct dates.
Answer
June 1; January 4; March 1; October 12
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 2 A Dog Named Duke
