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A Question of Trust
Summary
Learning Objectives
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Detailed Notes
Notes on Horace Danby
Character Analysis
- Horace Danby: Described as good and respectable but not completely honest.
- Reason for Description: His actions suggest a moral ambiguity; he cannot be categorized as a typical thief due to his meticulous planning and intentions.
Plot Points
- Deception: The lady deceives Horace into believing she is the lady of the house.
- Question: At what point did you realize the lady was not who she seemed?
- Planning and Mistakes: Despite being a meticulous planner, Horace falters.
- Discussion Point: Where did he go wrong and why?
Ethical Considerations
- Punishment: Was Horace Danby unfairly punished, or did he deserve his fate?
- Intentions vs. Actions: Do intentions justify actions? Would you act dishonestly if you believed the ends justified the means?
Suggested Reading
- The Unexpected by Ella Edkin
- The Confession by Anton Chekhov
- A Case for the Defence by Graham
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes and Exam Tips
Common Pitfalls
- Misunderstanding Character Motivations: Students often misinterpret Horace Danby's intentions, viewing him solely as a thief rather than understanding his complex character as someone who believes he steals for a 'good reason'.
- Overlooking Subtle Deceptions: Many fail to recognize the subtle ways the lady deceives Horace, which can lead to incomplete analyses of the story's themes.
- Ignoring the Moral Dilemma: Students may not fully engage with the moral questions posed, such as whether intentions justify actions, which is central to understanding the narrative.
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Analyze Character Depth: Focus on the nuances of Horace's character. Consider why he is described as 'good and respectable - but not completely honest'.
- Pay Attention to Key Moments: Identify critical points in the story where Horace's perception of the lady shifts, as this can be pivotal in exam questions.
- Discuss Ethical Implications: Be prepared to discuss the ethical implications of Horace's actions and the lady's manipulation, as these are often explored in essay questions.
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A. Call the police
B. Scream for help
C. Take his tools
D. Lock him in a room
Correct Answer: A
Solution: She said she would telephone the police and tell them about him.
A. Lockmaker
B. Librarian
C. Thief
D. Gardener
Correct Answer: A
Solution: Horace Danby made locks and was successful enough at his business.
A. He successfully stole the jewels
B. He was caught by the police
C. He escaped without a trace
D. He returned the jewels
Correct Answer: B
Solution: Horace was arrested by a policeman for the jewel robbery.
A. To pay his debts
B. To buy rare books
C. To support his family
D. For the thrill of it
Correct Answer: B
Solution: Horace loved rare, expensive books and stole to buy them.
A. He was frightened of her
B. He was annoyed by her
C. He felt hopeful
D. He was indifferent
Correct Answer: C
Solution: Horace felt some hope because she seemed amused at meeting him.
A. He took the jewels and ran
B. He gave the jewels to the young lady
C. He hid the jewels in the garden
D. He called the police himself
Correct Answer: B
Solution: Horace opened the safe and gave her the jewels.