Question

Answer of the following question in 40–50 words:

“We are often over-indulgent towards people we care about.” Explain with reference to the story “A Triumph of Surgery”.

Answer 1

In the story “A Triumph of Surgery” from James Herriot’s collection, the over-indulgence towards those we care about is depicted through the relationship between Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy lady, and her Pekingese dog, Tricki. Mrs. Pumphrey's deep affection for Tricki leads her to pamper him excessively with luxurious treats and little exercise, mistakenly believing that this is the best way to express her love. This indulgence results in Tricki becoming grossly overweight and lethargic, a direct consequence of his owner's overbearing love and lack of understanding of his actual needs. The story illustrates how our affection can sometimes cloud our judgment, leading to actions that may not be in the best interest of those we care for. It's a cautionary tale on the importance of balancing love with wisdom, especially when it comes to the health and well-being of others.