Give some value based questions on chapter 'A Dog named Duke'.
Answers
1. Justify the title of the story ‘A Dog Named Duke’. What is the message that the writer wants to give to the readers? Do you agree that a dog can be more than a human companion? Justify. (100-120 words)
This story is a very inspiring example of devotion and dedication. Not only Hooper's dedication and devotion is worthy of praise, but Duke, the dog's devotion and dedication to his master, Hooper is far worthier of appreciation. The most extraordinary side of the story is Duke's sensitivity to his master's paralysis. He prods and pokes him to get up from the bed and practice walking; he motivates him to walk; and accompanies him, providing all the assistance he could. As a result Hooper is able to walk. Duke excels a human being in pushing Hooper, his master to try to get up from his bed and make efforts to walk. Not only he succeeds in getting up, he urges him to take short steps, providing all the initial support he needs. He is better than humans because, he sees the possibility of Hooper walking on his own. the humans in Hooper's life could not see this possibility. Due to Duke's initiative, Hooper finally overcomes his handicap. Since the protagonist in the story is Duke, the dog, hence the title is completely justified.
2. One is often unable to taste the fruit of one's hard work. Explain with reference to the story ' A Dog Named Duke' in about 80-100 words
At times such incidents happen as make us feel sad and distressed. One such incident happened in the the story 'A Dog Named Duke'. Duke died before being repaid by Hooper and Marcy. After Hooper's accident, Duke had to face four months' confinement in the kennel, without being looked after properly. And even after Hooper's coming home after the recovery, Duke did not get all the facilities and comforts a dog deserved; it missed all its play and walks. Then it was Duke who took the initiative of training Hooper how to overcome his paralytic disabilities. It would stand, go to the bed, poke its nose under Hooper's elbow. It constantly nudged, needled, snorted and yap at him to get up. It would not stop until it compelled Hooper to get up and try walking. Everyday it would force Chuck to walk a few steps. Thus Chuck practicing with Duke, overcame his disabilities. He rejoined his company, started doing well. He had just started to earn well, when Duke was killed in an accident. Soon after, Chuck was appointed assistant National Sales Manager; but Duke was no longer with them, in this world to enjoy the benefits of his success and affluence. Duke was with Chuck and his family, during their hard times; but when the better days came, it was not their to enjoy the facilities and luxuries of life!
3. Nothing is impossible if one is determined and diligent enough to achieve the same. Discuss this statement with reference to the story 'A Dog Named Duke'.
Hooper displayed phenomenal courage, endurance, perseverance, faith and determination. It was a miracle that he recovered from paralysis. The accident had been quite fatal. Generally, people, who are rendered paralytic by brain injuries, have very bleak chances of coming to normalcy. However, Hooper was a very strong character. Not only he survived the brain injury, he worked very hard to be on his feet. Duke, his wonder dog was an angel sent from heaven for him. He motivated Hooper to start making efforts to revive his atrophying limbs. The daily walks with Duke, helped Hooper a lot. It was sheer determination and fixed purpose that Hooper rejoined his work. Finally Hooper's determined efforts to regain control over his motor movements made the impossible possible.