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.

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?

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.