Class 10 English - CBSE
Supplementary: The Midnight Visitor
"The Midnight Visitor" by Robert Arthur is an engaging mystery story about a secret agent named Ausable, who challenges the traditional, glamorous image of a spy. Set in a gloomy French hotel room, the story unfolds when Ausable is suddenly confronted by a rival agent, Max, holding a pistol and demanding an important report. Instead of panicking, Ausable uses his sharp intellect, quick thinking, and calm demeanor to outwit Max by inventing a believable story about a non-existent balcony. This chapter is important for CBSE Class 10 board exams as it tests reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding of suspense and situational irony.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Unconventional Appearance vs. Reality
Ausable does not look like a typical secret agent; he is extremely fat and sloppy, yet he possesses the sharp mind and resourcefulness of a true spy.
Presence of Mind
Ausable demonstrates exceptional calmness under pressure when threatened by Max with a gun, using his intellect rather than physical force.
The Balcony Trick
Ausable fabricates an elaborate lie about a nonexistent balcony beneath his window to trick Max into believing police are coming.
Situational Irony
The story relies heavily on irony: Fowler, a young writer expecting a thrilling night of espionage, is initially disappointed by ordinary Ausable, only to witness a brilliant psychological trap.
Fowler's Transformation
Fowler shifts from romanticized notions of secret agents to appreciating true intelligence and wit over physical stereotypes.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 10 English, this chapter typically carries 3 to 5 marks. Questions are usually in the form of Short Answer Questions (2 marks) testing plot details or Character Sketches (4-5 marks) focusing on Ausable's intelligence and presence of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ausable outwit Max?
Ausable calmly invented a story about a nonexistent balcony beneath his window, convincing Max that the police were knocking at the door, which caused Max to jump out in panic.
Was there actually a balcony outside the window?
No, there was no balcony at all. It was entirely a clever fabrication by Ausable to trick Max.
How does Ausable differ from the traditional description of a secret agent?
Unlike glamorous movie spies who are athletic, handsome, and surrounded by dark features, Ausable is very fat, sloppy, speaks with an American accent, and lives in a gloomy room.
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