Question 1
1 Mark
What does Horace Danby like to collect?
Model Answer
Horace Danby likes to collect rare and expensive books. He has a great passion for reading and maintains a small library filled with books he acquires through his annual thefts.
Questions & Answers: "A Question of Trust"
Complete guide to "A Question of Trust" for English students. Below you will find important questions and model answers to help you prepare.
10 Questions
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Question 2
1 Mark
Why does he steal every year?
Model Answer
Horace Danby steals once a year to fund his expensive hobby of collecting rare books. He carefully plans a robbery to avoid suspicion and uses the money to buy books through an agent.
Question 3
1 Mark
Who is speaking to Horace Danby?
Model Answer
A woman posing as the lady of the house speaks to Horace Danby. She pretends to have caught him red-handed and manipulates him into opening the safe for her.
Question 4
1 Mark
Who is the real culprit in the story?
Model Answer
The real culprit is the woman who pretends to be the owner of the house. She deceives Horace Danby and escapes with the stolen jewels, leaving Horace to take the blame.
Question 5
1 Mark
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?
Model Answer
Yes, I began to suspect the lady’s identity when she showed no fear upon seeing a stranger in the house. Her calm behavior and confidence in dealing with Horace seemed unusual, suggesting she was not the actual lady of the house.
Question 6
1 Mark
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?
Model Answer
The lady uses calm demeanor, authoritative tone, and familiarity with the house to trick Horace. She also talks about the safe and the jewels convincingly. Horace, nervous and caught off guard, believes her easily and is eager to avoid trouble.
Question 7
1 Mark
“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?
Model Answer
This description is apt because Horace led a respectable life and only committed theft once a year to pursue his love for books. He avoided violence and didn’t steal for greed, distinguishing him from typical criminals.
Question 8
1 Mark
Horace Danby was a meticulous planner but still he faltered. Where did he go wrong and why?
Model Answer
Horace failed to consider unexpected situations. He didn’t expect anyone to be home or to be deceived. His trust in the woman without verifying her identity was his biggest mistake.
Question 9
1 Mark
Do you think Horace Danby was unfairly punished, or that he deserved what he got?
Model Answer
While Horace’s punishment seemed harsh considering his non-violent nature, he did commit a crime and broke the law. Hence, he was not unfairly punished, though he was also a victim of deceit.
Question 10
1 Mark
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?
Model Answer
Intentions do not always justify actions. While Horace stole for a seemingly harmless purpose, it was still illegal. Personally, I believe honesty should be upheld, and while some situations may test our morals, breaking the law cannot be excused easily.