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CBSE
CLASS 10 ENGLISH
FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEETπ£
CHAPTER 8: THE HACK DRIVER
SUMMARY
➤Summary:
The chapter begins with the lawyer's narration about his quest to find a hack driver named Hughie Erskine. The lawyer had once hired Hughie's services, but after some time, Hughie vanished, leaving no trace. The lawyer, curious to know what happened to Hughie, decides to track him down.
The lawyer embarks on his journey and arrives in a small town. He inquires about Hughie Erskine and discovers that Hughie is a cheerful and helpful man who often shares amusing stories with the locals. The lawyer also learns that Hughie is a victim of loneliness, as he lost his wife and children due to a disease.
The lawyer finally meets Hughie and engages in a conversation. Hughie initially denies knowing the lawyer but later admits to having driven him once. He reveals that he abandoned his profession as a hack driver after encountering a wealthy, arrogant man who belittled him. This incident shattered Hughie's self-esteem, prompting him to leave the job.
Hughie and the lawyer spend some time together, during which the lawyer recognizes Hughie's good character and sees his potential. The lawyer insists that Hughie resumes his profession, but Hughie is hesitant. However, the lawyer convinces him by sharing his own life experiences, highlighting the importance of self-respect.
In the end, Hughie agrees to become a hack driver once again, realizing that his job not only provides him with a livelihood but also a sense of purpose and dignity. The lawyer leaves the town, content with his encounter with Hughie Erskine.
➤Key Points:
1. The lawyer sets out to find the hack driver, Hughie Erskine.
2. Hughie is known for his cheerful nature and amusing stories.
3. Hughie had abandoned his profession as a hack driver due to a demeaning encounter with a wealthy man.
4. The lawyer convinces Hughie to resume his job, emphasizing the importance of self-respect.
5. Hughie agrees to become a hack driver again, finding a sense of purpose and dignity.
π¨Character Analysis:
1. Lawyer: The protagonist of the story, who sets out to find Hughie Erskine. He is observant, empathetic, and wise, understanding Hughie's struggles and motivating him to regain his self-esteem.
2. Hughie Erskine: The hack driver who abandoned his profession. He is depicted as a cheerful and helpful person but suffers from loneliness due to personal loss. He regains his confidence and agrees to resume his job with the lawyer's guidance.
=❯Important Quotes:
1. "The poor fellow's face lighted up at the mere mention of my name." - The lawyer notices Hughie's enthusiasm upon hearing his name.
2. "I was so glad to meet you today, for I had got it into my head that you were dead." - Hughie expresses his surprise at meeting the lawyer after assuming his death.
3. "It was a beautiful day and a bright sun made the snow sparkle. But there was something about the man that I did not like." - The lawyer's initial impression of Hughie.
=❯Themes:
1. Self-respect and dignity: The story explores the theme of self-respect and the importance of maintaining one's dignity in the face of adversity.
2. Empathy and understanding: The lawyer's empathetic nature helps him understand Hughie's struggles and encourages him to regain his self-esteem.
=❯Word meanings:
1. Hack driver: A person who drives a hired carriage.
2. Demean: To belittle or degrade.
3. Self-esteem: Confidence in one's own worth or abilities.
4. Livelihood: Means of supporting oneself.
=❯FAQ WITH SOLUTIONS
Q1. Why did the lawyer set out to find Hughie Erskine?
ANSWER: The lawyer was curious about Hughie's disappearance and wanted to know what happened to him.
Q2. Why did Hughie abandon his profession as a hack driver?
ANSWER: Hughie left his job after being demeaned by a wealthy man, which shattered his self-esteem.
Q3. What was the lawyer's impression of Hughie upon meeting him?
ANSWER: Initially, the lawyer felt something was off about Hughie but later recognized his cheerful nature.
Q4. How did the lawyer motivate Hughie to resume his job?
ANSWER: The lawyer shared his own life experiences and emphasized the importance of self-respect and dignity, convincing Hughie to regain his confidence.
Q5. What role did loneliness play in Hughie's life?
ANSWER: Hughie suffered from loneliness after losing his wife and children to disease.
Q6. Did Hughie agree to become a hack driver again?
ANSWER: Yes, after the lawyer's persuasion, Hughie agreed to resume his profession as a hack driver.
Q7. What themes are explored in "The Hack Driver"?
ANSWER: The story focuses on self-respect, dignity, empathy, and understanding.
Q8. How does the lawyer's encounter with Hughie change him?
ANSWER: The lawyer gains a deeper understanding of the value of self-respect and the ability to uplift others.
Q9. What is the significance of the title "The Hack Driver"?
ANSWER: The title refers to Hughie's profession and his journey from abandoning it to rediscovering its importance.
Q10. How does the story end?
ANSWER: The story concludes with Hughie agreeing to become a hack driver again, while the lawyer leaves the town satisfied with his encounter.
⭐These FAQs should help you understand the chapter and its various aspects in more detail.
