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The Midnight Visitor

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The Midnight Visitor

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Summary

Summary of 'The Midnight Visitor'

  • Main Characters:
    • Ausable: A secret agent who is overweight and not what one would expect of a spy.
    • Max: Another secret agent who threatens Ausable with a gun.
    • Fowler: A young writer accompanying Ausable, expecting a thrilling adventure.
  • Setting:
    • A gloomy French hotel room on the sixth floor.
  • Plot Overview:
    • Ausable is expecting an important report about missiles.
    • Max enters the room with a gun, demanding the report.
    • Ausable outsmarts Max by tricking him into thinking there is a balcony, leading to Max's downfall.
  • Themes:
    • The contrast between expectation and reality in espionage.
    • Intelligence and cunning over brute force.
  • Important Moments:
    • Ausable's description of himself as a secret agent contrasts with the romanticized view Fowler has.
    • The revelation that there is no balcony, highlighting Ausable's cleverness.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the concept of espionage and its implications.
  • Recognize the characteristics of different poetic forms, such as Haiku.
  • Identify key elements in narrative scenes, including character actions and settings.
  • Analyze the dynamics between characters in a suspenseful context.
  • Evaluate the significance of dramatic tension in storytelling.

Detailed Notes

The Midnight Visitor

Overview

  • Author: Robert Arthur
  • Genre: Fiction, Espionage

Characters

  • Ausable: A secret agent who does not fit the typical image of a spy. He is described as fat and has an American accent despite living in Paris for twenty years.
  • Max: Another secret agent who threatens Ausable with a pistol to obtain an important report.
  • Fowler: A young writer who is disappointed by the mundane reality of Ausable's life compared to his romantic expectations of espionage.

Key Themes

  • Reality vs. Expectation: Fowler's disillusionment with the reality of being a secret agent.
  • Cleverness and Deception: Ausable's ability to outwit Max despite the threat.

Important Scenes

  1. Ausable's Introduction: Described as a fat man, contrasting with the romanticized image of spies.
  2. Confrontation with Max: Max threatens Ausable, demanding the report on missiles.
  3. The Twist: Ausable reveals that there is no balcony, outsmarting Max.

Notable Quotes

  • Ausable on being a spy: "You wished to meet me because you are a writer, young and romantic. You envisioned mysterious figures in the night..."
  • Ausable's cleverness: "You see, my young friend, there is no balcony."

Suggested Readings

  • 'After Twenty Years' by O. Henry
  • 'The Stolen Bacillus' by H.G. Wells
  • 'The Face on the Wall' by E.V. Lucas

Haiku Examples

  • By Matsuo Basho:
    • An old pond!
    • A frog jumps in -
    • The sound of water.
  • By Issa:
    • Right at my feet -
    • and when did you get here,
    • snail?

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Expecting Action in a Secret Agent Story: Many students may anticipate a thrilling narrative filled with action and suspense when reading about secret agents. However, the story may focus more on character development and dialogue than on action.
  • Misunderstanding Character Traits: Students might overlook the significance of Ausable's physical appearance and demeanor, which contrast with typical portrayals of secret agents. This can lead to misinterpretations of the story's themes.
  • Ignoring Contextual Clues: Failing to pay attention to the setting and background details can result in confusion about character motivations and plot developments.

Tips for Success

  • Focus on Character Analysis: Pay close attention to how characters are described and how their traits influence the story. Ausable's character is central to understanding the narrative.
  • Look for Themes: Consider the underlying themes of disillusionment and the contrast between expectation and reality in the story.
  • Engage with the Text: Take notes on key dialogues and descriptions that reveal character dynamics and plot twists. This will aid in comprehension and retention for exams.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

Technology

B.

Nature

C.

Politics

D.

Economics
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Haiku poems often explore themes related to nature, feelings, or experiences, capturing the essence of a moment in a compact form.

A.

It provides a romantic setting for the characters.

B.

It serves as a red herring to mislead Max.

C.

It highlights the architectural features of the building.

D.

It creates a prosaic view of the environment.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable uses the fictitious balcony as a red herring to mislead Max, creating a false sense of security and contributing to the plot's tension.

A.

Ignore it since it is not a big problem

B.

Raise the issue with the management

C.

Install a security system

D.

Move to a different room
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable plans to raise the issue with the management because it is the second time someone has entered his room through the balcony.

A.

Deep and resonant

B.

Soft and soothing

C.

Piercing and high-pitched

D.

Muffled and unclear
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The term 'shrilly' refers to a sound that is piercing and high-pitched, often causing discomfort.

A.

He is an accomplice who helps Ausable deceive Max.

B.

He accidentally interrupts the situation.

C.

He is unaware of the situation and simply delivers drinks.

D.

He alerts the police about Max.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Henry is part of Ausable's plan to deceive Max into thinking the police are at the door, causing Max to flee.

A.

Nature, feelings, or experiences

B.

Historical events

C.

Scientific discoveries

D.

Political ideologies
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Haiku poetry commonly includes themes of nature, feelings, or experiences.

A.

A student quickly solves a complex math problem during an exam.

B.

A driver swerves to avoid an accident after a sudden obstacle appears on the road.

C.

A chef prepares a meal using a recipe.

D.

A musician plays a piece of music from memory.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Presence of mind refers to the ability to think quickly and act wisely in a situation of danger or surprise. The scenario where a driver swerves to avoid an accident after a sudden obstacle appears on the road best exemplifies this concept.

A.

A person calmly extinguishing a fire in the kitchen.

B.

A person panicking and calling for help when a fire starts.

C.

A person ignoring a fire in the kitchen.

D.

A person running away from a fire without alerting others.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Presence of mind involves staying calm and taking effective action in a crisis, similar to how Ausable handles the situation with Max.

A.

Romantic and imaginative

B.

Sloppy and careless

C.

Cunning and resourceful

D.

Prosaic and ordinary
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Ausable is depicted as cunning and resourceful, using his quick thinking and cleverness to outsmart Max.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Irony

C.

Foreshadowing

D.

Deception
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Ausable uses deception as a literary device to convince Max of the existence of a balcony, which is a key element in the plot to outsmart Max.

A.

A form of art

B.

A type of clothing

C.

The act of spying

D.

A musical genre
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Espionage refers to the act of spying, which is a central theme in the story as Max attempts to steal a report.

A.

Impatience

B.

Anxiety

C.

Presence of mind

D.

Indifference
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Ausable shows presence of mind by thinking quickly and acting wisely to handle the dangerous situation with Max.

A.

Technological advancement

B.

Nature and simplicity

C.

Historical events

D.

Urban life
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Haiku poems often focus on themes of nature and simplicity, capturing moments and feelings in a compact form, as seen in the examples provided.

A.

As a part of his own apartment

B.

As belonging to the next apartment

C.

As a shared balcony for the entire building

D.

As a non-existent feature
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable describes the balcony as belonging to the next apartment.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Personification

C.

Imagery

D.

Simile
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The haiku uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the scene with the frog and the pond.

A.

To capture Ausable

B.

To steal a report on new missiles

C.

To escape from Berlin

D.

To find a hidden treasure
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Max's primary objective is to steal the report on new missiles that Ausable is expecting.

A.

A scientist conducting research in a laboratory.

B.

A journalist writing a report on a public event.

C.

A spy secretly obtaining classified information from a government agency.

D.

A teacher grading student assignments.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Espionage involves spying or obtaining secret information, typically for political or military purposes. The action of a spy secretly obtaining classified information from a government agency is most closely aligned with the definition of espionage.

A.

He is physically strong.

B.

He is cunning and sly.

C.

He is trustworthy.

D.

He is naive.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The fox is often associated with cunning and slyness, suggesting that Max is crafty and deceitful.

A.

It provides a setting for a romantic scene.

B.

It creates a false sense of security for Max.

C.

It serves as a metaphor for Ausable's character.

D.

It is a red herring that distracts from the main plot.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable's description of the balcony creates a false sense of security for Max, leading him to believe he can escape through it, which is crucial to the plot's development.

A.

Through the door with a passkey

B.

Through a balcony

C.

Through a window

D.

By breaking in
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Max enters the room using a passkey, as he did not know about the balcony.

A.

Irony

B.

Metaphor

C.

Foreshadowing

D.

Deception
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Ausable uses deception as a literary device to convince Max of the existence of a balcony, which ultimately leads to Max's downfall.

A.

A journalist writing an article about a celebrity.

B.

A detective solving a local theft case.

C.

An undercover agent gathering secret information from a foreign government.

D.

A student conducting research for a school project.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Espionage refers to the act of spying, especially for gathering secret information. An undercover agent gathering information from a foreign government is a classic example of espionage.

A.

By calling the police immediately

B.

By calmly creating a story about the balcony

C.

By fighting Max physically

D.

By hiding under the table
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable shows presence of mind by calmly creating a convincing story about the balcony to outsmart Max.

A.

By describing it with intricate details

B.

By showing a photograph

C.

By pointing out the balcony through the window

D.

By calling the hotel management to confirm
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Ausable convinces Max by giving a detailed and convincing description of the balcony, even though it does not exist.

A.

Imaginative

B.

Ordinary

C.

Spying

D.

Carelessly dressed
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The word 'prosaic' is defined as ordinary.

A.

In a low pitch

B.

Piercingly; in a high pitch

C.

Softly

D.

Calmly
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The word 'shrilly' means piercingly; in a high pitch, as defined in the glossary.

A.

By showing him a blueprint

B.

By describing it in detail

C.

By opening the window

D.

By pointing at it
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable convinces Max of the balcony's existence through a detailed description.

A.

Spoke breathing noisily and heavily

B.

Laughed quietly

C.

Moved quickly

D.

Cried loudly
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The glossary defines 'wheezed' as speaking while breathing noisily and heavily.

A.

Imaginative and fantastical

B.

Ordinary and mundane

C.

Dramatic and exciting

D.

Confused and disorganized
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The term 'prosaic' means ordinary and mundane, lacking the imaginative or fantastical elements.

A.

Imaginative thinking

B.

Spying

C.

Carelessly dressed

D.

Ordinary
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The term 'espionage' is defined as spying.

A.

He calmly waits for Ausable to open the door.

B.

He hides behind the curtains.

C.

He backs towards the window and prepares to escape.

D.

He confronts the person at the door.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Max backs towards the window and prepares to escape when he hears the knocking.

A.

He hides under the table

B.

He runs out of the room

C.

He swings a leg over the window sill

D.

He confronts the person at the door
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Max swings a leg over the window sill to escape to the supposed balcony.

A.

He shows Max a photograph of the balcony.

B.

He describes the balcony in detail.

C.

He opens the window to show Max the balcony.

D.

He tells Max that the balcony belongs to the next apartment.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable convinces Max by giving a detailed description of the balcony, making it a convincing story.

A.

He is careless.

B.

He is imaginative.

C.

He is easily frightened.

D.

He is methodical.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ausable's ability to concoct a story about a balcony on the spot demonstrates his imaginative nature, allowing him to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Irony

C.

Imagery

D.

Foreshadowing
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Imagery involves using descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Ausable's detailed description of the balcony convinces Max of its existence.

A.

Imaginative

B.

Ordinary

C.

Carelessly dressed

D.

Piercingly loud
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The term 'prosaic' means ordinary, as listed in the glossary.

A.

To steal a report on new missiles

B.

To kidnap Ausable

C.

To destroy the room

D.

To hide from the police
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Max planned to take the report concerning new missiles from Ausable.

A.

Imaginative; having a fantastic view of reality

B.

Ordinary

C.

Carelessly dressed

D.

Piercingly; in a high pitch
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The glossary defines 'romantic' as imaginative; having a fantastic view of reality.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The glossary clearly defines 'espionage' as spying.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Max was not aware of the balcony; he used a passkey to enter.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable was surprised and mentioned he thought Max was in Berlin.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The term 'romantic' was defined in the glossary as 'imaginative; having a fantastic view of reality,' but Ausable himself was not described using this term.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Ausable tricked Max into believing there was a balcony, but in reality, there was none.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable mentioned to Max that he had arranged for the police to check on him for extra protection.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable explained that the balcony belonged to the next apartment and could be accessed from there.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable managed to make Max believe in the existence of a balcony through his detailed description, which was part of his plan to outwit Max.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable used his quick thinking to convince Max that there was a balcony, which was part of his plan.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Ausable fabricated the story about the police visit; there was no actual plan for police protection.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In the story, Ausable expressed surprise at seeing Max, stating he thought Max was in Berlin.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Ausable tricked Max into thinking the police were coming, but it was actually the waiter, Henry, whom he was expecting.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Max was described as having features that suggested the crafty, pointed countenance of a fox.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Haiku is indeed a poetic form from Japanese culture, characterized by its three short lines and themes of nature, feelings, or experiences.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ausable demonstrated quick thinking by inventing a story about the police to manipulate Max's actions.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Max was not described as having a romantic view of reality; this description was related to the term 'romantic' in the glossary.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Haiku is indeed a poetic form from the Japanese culture, often focusing on nature, feelings, or experiences.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Max was described as having nothing especially menacing about him aside from the gun.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Max was described as slender and having features that suggested a fox-like appearance, but aside from the gun, there was nothing especially menacing about him.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The knocking at the door was actually from a waiter, not the police, as Ausable had led Max to believe.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The glossary provided defines 'espionage' as spying.