Class 9 - English - A Dog Named Duke - Summary, Theme and Diary Entry

Summary

The chapter "A Dog Named Duke" is a heartwarming story about the bond between a man and his dog. The story begins with Chuck Hooper, a successful sales manager who is paralyzed in a car accident. He becomes depressed and withdrawn, but his dog Duke helps him regain his will to live.

Duke is a Doberman Pinscher who is fiercely loyal to Chuck. He helps Chuck to exercise his paralyzed leg by pulling him around the block in a wheelchair. Duke also helps Chuck to feel better emotionally by providing him with companionship and love.

One day, Duke is hit by a car and dies. Chuck is devastated by the loss of his best friend. However, he knows that Duke would want him to continue living his life to the fullest. Chuck decides to honour Duke's memory by continuing to work hard and be a good person.

The chapter "A Dog Named Duke" is a story about the power of love, loyalty, and friendship. It shows how a dog can help a person overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Themes of the story:

• The power of love and loyalty
• The importance of friendship
• The ability of animals to help humans heal
• The importance of overcoming challenges
• The importance of living life to the fullest

Significance of the story:

The story "A Dog Named Duke" is a reminder of the importance of love, loyalty, and friendship. It also shows how animals can play a vital role in our lives, especially in times of need. The story is also a reminder that we are all capable of overcoming challenges, even when they seem insurmountable.

Diary Entry

Monday 22 March 20XX

Oh! What a faithful and responsible companion Duke has proved. The accident had left me a paralysed cripple. I was forced to lie on a bed alone with my thoughts. Despair had led me to helplessness. At the same time, I didn’t want to be a burden on Marcy.

Duke’s re-entry into my life lifted my numb spirits. One evening my good hand idly hooked the leash onto Duke’s collar to hold him still. I asked Marcy to help me to my feet. Duke pranced. I fought for balance. I placed the leash in my left hand and folded the paralysed fingers over it. Then I leaned forward. Marcy supported me by the elbow. I moved my right leg out in front. Straightening the right leg caused the left foot to drag forward alongside the right. It could be called a step. Duke had rekindled hope. I decided to repeat it. Duke felt the sudden slackness in the leash. He pulled it taut. I swayed forward. I broke the fall with my right leg. Then I straightened. I did so thrice. I felt exhausted, so I collapsed into the wheelchair.

The next day Duke started early. He tugged steadily and I took four steps. Leaning back against the pull, I learned to keep my balance without any help. Every day I moved on step by step. In two weeks we reached the front porch. Duke’s assistance seemed miraculous.

👉See Also:

How I taught my Grandmother to read (MCQs asked in CBSE Papers)
How I taught my Grandmother (Q & A)
How I taught my Grandmother (MCQs)
Speech on "Importance of Adult Education"
A dog named Duke (MCQs from CBSE Papers)
A Dog Named Duke (Questions & Answers)
The Brook (MCQs from CBSE Papers)
The Brook (Q & A from previous papers)

Golden English Communicative: Based on New CBSE Textbooks for Class - 9 (For CBSE 2024 Board Exams, includes Objective Type Question Bank)