CBSE Class 9 English: A Dog Named Duke NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Reader, Chapter 2, "A Dog Named Duke." It covers extract-based questions, requiring students to analyze specific passages from the story, and short answer questions that test comprehension of key events and character development. The solutions explain the significance of Duke's actions, Chuck Hooper's recovery, and the bond between them. These solutions are designed to help students understand the nuances of the narrative, practice answering comprehension questions effectively, and prepare thoroughly for their English literature exams by reinforcing key concepts and analytical skills.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectEnglish Literature Reader
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on "A Dog Named Duke," a story about loyalty, recovery, and the human-animal bond. The solutions address extract-based questions, prompting analysis of character interactions and descriptive passages, and short answer questions that delve into plot points like Duke's accident and Chuck's rehabilitation. They highlight Duke's role in Chuck's recovery and promotion, emphasizing the dog's unwavering support and the profound impact of their relationship. The exercises are structured to build comprehension and analytical skills for Class 9 English students.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the narrative and character development in "A Dog Named Duke."
  • Analyze specific extracts to infer meaning and context.
  • Explain the significance of Duke's actions and their impact on Chuck.
  • Comprehend the challenges faced by Chuck and Duke, and their eventual triumphs.
  • Articulate the themes of loyalty, perseverance, and companionship present in the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Character analysis of Duke and Chuck Hooper
  • Understanding descriptive language (e.g., 'rampageous', 'reproachful')
  • Analyzing narrative extracts
  • Themes of loyalty and companionship
  • The process of recovery and rehabilitation
  • Human-animal bond
  • Plot comprehension
  • Company promotion and employee recognition

Important topics

  • The role of Duke in Chuck's recovery and promotion
  • Analysis of character interactions and emotions
  • Understanding the impact of Duke's accident
  • Interpreting descriptive passages
  • Themes of perseverance and loyalty

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Questions and Solutions

Q. 1

Read the extract given below and answer the questions/complete the sentences that follow: "All they knew was that their new neighbour walked like a struggling mechanical giant and that he was always pulled by a rampageous dog....."
  1. Who does 'they' stand for?
  2. Who walked like a struggling giant and why?

(c) What does the word, 'rampageous' mean?

Solution:

(a) The word 'they' refers to the neighbours of the new resident.

(b) The new neighbour, Chuck Hooper, walked like a struggling mechanical giant because he was recovering from a severe accident that had affected his ability to walk steadily.

(c) The word 'rampageous' means violent, wild, and uncontrolled behaviour. In this context, it describes the energetic and perhaps boisterous nature of the dog, Duke.

Q. 2

'Go run around the house Duke'. But Duke wouldn't. He'd lie down with a reproachful eye on Hooper.
  1. What do these lines tell us about Duke?
  2. Reproachful means

(c) Duke was unhappy with Hooper because

Solution:

(a) These lines reveal that Duke was not his usual energetic self and seemed unwilling to follow commands. His behaviour suggests a change in his mood or condition, possibly linked to his master's state.

(b) 'Reproachful' means expressing disapproval or disappointment. Duke looked at Hooper with an eye that conveyed sadness or a sense of being let down.

(c) Duke was unhappy with Hooper because he sensed his master's inability to engage in their usual activities, like going for a run. Duke's own condition or mood might also have been affected by Hooper's state, leading to this unhappiness.

Q. 3

He never jumped on Chuck again. From that moment, he took up a post beside his master's bed around the clock.
  1. Duke was sensitive, loving and caring.

(c) Duke knew that his master needed company, so he took a post beside his master's bed.

Solution:

(a) This indicates Duke's deep sensitivity and understanding of Chuck's condition. After realizing that his enthusiastic jumps could potentially harm or destabilize his master, Duke chose to remain by his side, showing immense care and love.

(c) Duke understood that Chuck, due to his injuries, required constant companionship and support. By staying beside his master's bed day and night, Duke provided comfort and a sense of security, demonstrating his loyalty and caring nature.

Q. 4

When two fellows stare at each other, day in, day out, and one can't move and the other can't talk, boredom sets in.
  1. Who are the 'two fellows' here? Mention who can't talk and who can't move.

(b) Who tried to break the 'boredom' and how? (c) How could the boredom harm the fellows?

Solution:

(a) The 'two fellows' referred to in this extract are Chuck Hooper and his dog, Duke. Chuck Hooper is the one who cannot move due to his injuries, and Duke is the one who cannot talk.

(b) Duke tried to break the boredom by persistently nudging Chuck and insisting on their usual walks. He would lie down with a 'reproachful eye' when asked to run, implicitly urging Chuck to engage with him, thus trying to alleviate the monotony.

(c) The boredom could harm them by leading to restlessness and unease. For Duke, this inactivity might manifest as agitation. For Chuck, prolonged inactivity and boredom could have detrimental effects on his mental state and hinder his physical recovery, potentially making him feel completely confined and hopeless.

Q. 5

A few weeks ago, worded as if in a special tribute to Duke, an order came through from the chemical company's headquarters.
  1. Who is Duke? What has happened to him?

(b) What did the order say? (c) How was it a tribute to Duke?

Solution:

(a) Duke is the pet dog of Chuck Hooper. He met with a serious accident involving a car, which resulted in severe injuries.

(b) The order announced that Chuck Hooper had been promoted to the position of Assistant National Sales Manager within the chemical company.

(c) The promotion was considered a tribute to Duke because the company acknowledged that Duke's presence and influence had played a significant role in Chuck's recovery and subsequent ability to perform at a higher level. His dedication and the bond they shared were implicitly recognized as contributing factors to Chuck's professional advancement.

Q. 6

Thirteen months from the moment he worked full days, Chuck Hooper was promoted as the Regional Manager covering more than four states.
  1. What helped Chuck Hooper achieve the promotion mentioned here?

(b) What did Chuck's promotion reveal about the company's management? (c) Who did Chuck owe his success to: himself or Duke?

Solution:

(a) Chuck Hooper's strong determination, resilience, and ability to overcome his physical challenges, significantly aided by Duke's support, helped him achieve this promotion. His hard work and commitment to returning to full capacity were key factors.

(b) Chuck's promotion revealed that the company's management was compassionate, fair, and recognized the value of their employees beyond just their physical capabilities. They had faith in Chuck's potential and acknowledged the circumstances of his recovery and dedication.

(c) Chuck owed his success to both himself and Duke. He was responsible for his own determination and hard work in recovering and excelling. Duke was equally responsible, as his unwavering presence, loyalty, and the motivation he provided were crucial for Chuck's ability to walk again and regain his confidence.

Q. 7

He was a 23 kilo missile of joy. He hit Chuck above the belt, causing him to fight to keep his balance.
  1. Who has been called a 'missile of joy'?

(b) How did he hit Chuck? Why? (c) Why did Chuck find it difficult to maintain his balance?

Solution:

(a) Chuck's dog, Duke, has been described as a 'missile of joy'.

(b) Duke hit Chuck by jumping on him with great enthusiasm and force, expressing his immense happiness and excitement upon seeing his master. This was his way of showing affection and joy.

(c) Chuck found it difficult to maintain his balance for two main reasons: Firstly, Duke's sudden and forceful jump was unexpected and delivered a significant impact. Secondly, Chuck's own physical disability, resulting from his accident, meant his balance was already compromised, making him more susceptible to being knocked off his feet.

Q. 1

How did Duke meet his end?
Solution:

Duke met his end on the evening of October 12, 1957. The Hoopers were hosting guests as Chuck had recovered significantly. Suddenly, the screech of brakes was heard from outside. Upon looking, Chuck was shocked to see that Duke had been involved in a serious car accident. Despite efforts, his injuries were too severe, and he tragically died, bringing immense sorrow to the Hooper family.

Q. 2

How much time did it take for Chuck to stand on his own feet?
Solution:

After his accident, Chuck Hooper remained hospitalized for a month in a critical condition. It took him a considerable amount of time and effort, supported by therapy and Duke's constant encouragement, to regain his strength and eventually be able to stand on his own feet again.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the meaning of descriptive words like 'rampageous' or 'reproachful'.
  • Failing to connect Duke's actions to Chuck's recovery and promotion.
  • Not clearly identifying the 'two fellows' or their respective limitations in the boredom scenario.
  • Overlooking the dual contribution of both Chuck and Duke to his success.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story "A Dog Named Duke" to refresh your memory of the plot and characters.
  • Focus on understanding the emotional bond between Chuck and Duke as depicted in the solutions.
  • Practice answering the extract-based questions by identifying key phrases and their implications.
  • Review the short answer questions to ensure you can recall and explain significant events like Duke's accident and Chuck's promotion.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the word 'rampageous' describe in the context of the story?

Q2. Why did Duke stop jumping on Chuck after a certain point?

Q3. What does 'reproachful eye' suggest about Duke's feelings?

Q4. Who are the 'two fellows' experiencing boredom in the extract?

Q5. What was the 'order' received from the chemical company's headquarters?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the story 'A Dog Named Duke'?

The main themes of 'A Dog Named Duke' revolve around the unwavering loyalty and companionship between a man and his dog, the challenges of recovery from severe injury, and the profound impact of animal support on human rehabilitation and success.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 9 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to comprehension questions based on the text. They help students understand the story's nuances, analyze character motivations, and practice articulating their understanding, which is crucial for exam preparation.

What kind of questions are covered in these solutions?

The solutions cover two main types of questions: extract-based questions, which require detailed analysis of specific passages, and short answer questions, which test overall comprehension of the plot, characters, and themes within a specified word limit.

Why is Duke's accident significant in the story?

Duke's accident is significant because it marks a turning point. It leads to Chuck's realization of Duke's importance and the depth of their bond, motivating Chuck's own recovery and ultimately contributing to his professional success.

How does the story portray the relationship between Chuck and Duke?

The story portrays the relationship as one of deep mutual dependence and affection. Duke's loyalty and presence are instrumental in Chuck's physical and emotional recovery, while Chuck's success is seen as a tribute to Duke's influence.

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