Question 11 of 14intermediate⚖️ EvaluateLong Answer5 marks

This episode describes the silly behaviour of a rich woman who is foolishly indulgent, perhaps because she is lonely. Do you think such people are merely silly, or can their actions cause harm to others?

Correct Answer

Such people are not merely silly; their actions can definitely cause serious harm to others. In the story, Mrs Pumphrey's foolish indulgence nearly kills her beloved dog Tricki. Despite being advised to cut down on sweet things, she relents because she cannot bear to refuse him cream cakes and chocolates. She also fails to ensure he gets enough exercise. As a result, Tricki becomes hugely fat, like a bloated sausage with bloodshot eyes and a lolling tongue, completely listless and devoid of energy.

Her actions stem from loneliness and misplaced affection, but the consequences are devastating. Tricki becomes so ill that he has to be hospitalized and kept without food for two days just to recover. At the surgery, he lies motionless on the carpet, showing no interest in his surroundings.

This shows that overindulgence, even when motivated by love, can be destructive. Mrs Pumphrey's inability to say no nearly cost Tricki his life. Such behaviour goes beyond mere silliness — it reflects irresponsibility that can cause physical harm and suffering to those who depend on them.

Therefore, while such people may appear merely silly, their actions can have serious, even fatal, consequences for others.

Exercise: Talk about it | Q: 1 | (Page 7)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The question requires students to evaluate whether Mrs Pumphrey's behaviour is merely silly or genuinely harmful. Using the textbook context, students should cite how her overindulgence (extra meals, cream cakes, chocolates, lack of exercise) directly caused Tricki's severe illness — he became bloated, listless, and motionless. The answer must go beyond calling her 'silly' and demonstrate that foolish indulgence can cause real harm, even death, to dependents.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: State position clearly — such people cause harm, not just silliness

  2. Step 2: Provide evidence from text — Mrs Pumphrey's overfeeding and lack of exercise for Tricki

  3. Step 3: Describe consequences — Tricki became hugely fat, listless, motionless, required hospitalization

  4. Step 4: Analyse the root cause — loneliness leading to misplaced affection and irresponsibility

  5. Step 5: Conclude that overindulgence can have serious/fatal consequences beyond mere silliness

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