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A Dog Named Duke Summary in English by William P Ellis
A Dog Named Duke Summary in English
Charles “Chuck” Hooper had everything going for him. He was tall, popular, used to play for the university football team and was now a successful zonal sales manager for a chemical company. He was happily married and had brought home a four year- old Doberman called Duke. But things changed dramatically after a freak accident which left him depressed and bed-ridden for life. After a long stay at the hospital, during which time Duke was kept in a kennel, he returned to an empty home which further heightened his depression and loneliness. His wife Marcy brought Duke back home and right from day one Duke understood his master’s needs and did not leave his bedside even for a moment.
Master and dog spent time staring at each other till one day the dog lost patience and started poking and prodding his master, compelling him to respond. Slowly, he guided his master and pushed him to walk again. Initially, Chuck walked very slowly holding on to the dog’s leash but gradually he started walking by himself. The progress was slow, almost a step at a time, till he was able to walk around his neighbourhood. One day he walked to his old work place and started working—at first for a few hours—till, slowly, he was able to work for a full day. All this time, Chuck was shadowed and guided by his loyal companion, Duke. They became a familiar sight in the neighbourhood. The partnership however came to an abrupt end one day when Duke was hit by a car and succumbed to his injuries.
A Dog Named Duke Summary Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Based on your reading of the story answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.
a. With reference to Hooper, the author says, ‘Every thing was going for him ’. What does it imply?
(i) he had everything that a man aspires for.
(ii) people admired him.
(iii) he did what he wanted.
(iv) he was capable of playing games.
Answer:
He had everything that a man aspires for.
b. Duke never jumped on Chuck again because:
(i) Duke was paralysed and unable to jump.
(ii) Chuck was angry with Duke for jumping at him.
(iii) Duke realized that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.
(iv) Marcy did not allow Duke to come near Chuck.
Answer:
Duke realized that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself.
c. The author says that Duke ‘knew his job ’. The job was:
(i) to look after Chuck.
(ii) to get Chuck on his feet.
(iii) to humor Chuck
(iv) to guard the house.
Answer:
to get Chuck on his feet.
d. ‘…even Duke’s presence didn’t reach Chuck ‘. Why?
(i) Duke was locked in his kennel and Chuck couldn’t see him.
(ii) Duke hid himself behind the bed post.
(iii) Duke had come to know that Hooper was not well.
(iv) Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.
Answer:
Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain.
Question 2.
Answer the following questions briefly
a. “In 1953, Hooper was a favored young man. ” Explain.
Answer:
It means that Chuck Hooper had everything going for him. He was a tall young man who had played in the university football team and was now a zonal sales manager for a chemical company. He seemed to have everything that he wanted.
b. “They said that they would create a desk job for Hooper at headquarters. ” Why did they decide to do this?
Answer:
They decided to do this because they wanted to show their support for Chuck during his difficult time. They realized he would not be as active as he had been in the past.
c. “Duke was an extraordinary dog. ” What special qualities did he exhibit to justify this?
Answer:
Duke was truly an extraordinary dog, he was quick to understand his master’s disability and took care not to injure him. Duke also managed to push Hooper out of a rut and gave him the strength and the will to walk again.
d. What problems did Chuck present when he returned to the company headquarters?
Answer:
The problem was that the company did not think that he would be able to contribute much to the work due to his injuries and handicap, yet they did not have the heart to discourage him especially as he was trying so hard to bring some normalcy into his life.
e. Why do you think Charles Hooper’s appointment as Assistant National Manager is considered to be a tribute to Duke?
Answer:
It was a tribute because it was the result of Duke’s persistence, help, support, and love that Hooper regained an interest in life and started working again, to prove that his handicap was not going to limit his abilities.
Question 3.
Following dates were important in Charles Hooper’s life in some way. Complete the table by relating the description with the correct dates.
Answer:
| Date | Description |
| June 1 | News spread that Hooper and Duke had made it to an intersection |
| January 4 | Hooper walked independently from the clinic to the branch office |
| March 1 | Hooper planned to start a full day’s work at office |
| October 12 | Duke met with a fatal accident |