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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate7 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter 'A Question of Trust' follows Horace Danby, a seemingly respectable man with a penchant for stealing once a year to fund his passion for rare books. During a planned heist at the Shotover Grange, he encounters a woman who plays into his trust by posing as a legitimate resident. She tricks him into opening the safe, leading to his capture when his fingerprints are left on the scene. Ultimately, Horace's trust in the woman leads to his downfall, questioning the concept of honor among thieves.
Key Topics
- •Trust and deception
- •Moral ambiguity in crime
- •Character study of Horace Danby
- •Irony and consequences
- •Themes of honor among thieves
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the duality of Horace Danby's character
- ✓Analyze the theme of trust and deception in the narrative
- ✓Evaluate the irony present in Horace's downfall
- ✓Discuss the moral implications of actions based on intentions
- ✓Interpret the roles of secondary characters in advancing the plot
Questions in Chapter
Did you begin to suspect, before the end of the story, that the lady was not the person Horace Danby took her to be? If so, at what point did you realise this, and how?
Page 25
What are the subtle ways in which the lady manages to deceive Horace Danby into thinking she is the lady of the house? Why doesn’t Horace suspect that something is wrong?
Page 25
“Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest”. Why do you think this description is apt for Horace? Why can’t he be categorised as a typical thief?
Page 25
Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
Page 25
Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished, or that he deserved what he got?
Page 25
Do intentions justify actions? Would you, like Horace Danby, do something wrong if you thought your ends justified the means? Do you think that there are situations in which it is excusable to act less than honestly?
Page 25
Additional Practice Questions
Why does Horace Danby choose to rob wealthy households instead of engaging in honest work?
mediumAnswer: Horace Danby justifies his actions by rationalizing that he steals to afford rare books, viewing himself as a non-threatening thief since he targets the wealthy, rationalizing that they can afford the loss.
How does the author portray the theme of trust and deception in the story?
hardAnswer: The theme of trust and deception is highlighted through Horace's interaction with the woman posing as the houseowner. His misplaced trust leads to his capture, emphasizing the fragility of trust and the ease of deception.
Discuss the irony in Horace Danby's character development.
mediumAnswer: The irony in Horace's character lies in his respectability and methodical nature, juxtaposed with his criminal activities and eventual trickery by another thief, exposing the foolhardy nature of his trust.
In what ways does Horace Danby's hobby influence his decisions and motivations?
easyAnswer: His passion for rare books drives him to thievery as he seeks funds to purchase them, shaping his lifestyle around his yearly heist plan and highlighting his inability to reconcile his desires with honest living.
Analyze the role of secondary characters like the woman who deceives Horace. How do they serve the narrative?
hardAnswer: The woman who deceives Horace serves as a catalyst for the plot, revealing Horace's gullibility and highlighting the theme of deception, ultimately leading to the moral questioning of trust among thieves.