"The Midnight Visitor" is a story about [Ausable ], a secret agent in Paris, and his young guest, Fowler. Contrary to the typical image of a secret agent, [Ausable ] is fat and speaks with a noticeable American accent. Fowler, a writer, finds their evening together to be uneventful, far removed from the exciting world of .......................
The Midnight Visitor - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - CBSE English
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Back Questions - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
“Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.” What do secret agents in books and films look like, in your opinion? Discuss in groups or in class some stories or movies featuring spies, detectives and secret agents, and compare their appearance with that of Ausable in this story. (You may mention characters from fiction in languages other than English. In English fiction you may have come across Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple. Have you watched any movies featuring James Bond?)
Typically, secret agents in books and films are often portrayed as engaging and physically fit individuals with a certain charisma and charm. They are typically sharp, quick, agile, and have an ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. They could be sophisticated and suave like James Bond, or deductively brilliant like Sherlock Holmes. Espionage tools, gadgets, and high-tech equipment are additionally often associated with secret agents in popular media. They often have the ability to carry out dangerous and physical tasks and are skilled in martial arts and self-defence. Moreover, they often can adapt to new cultures, languages, and accents with ease.
But when we look at Ausable from the story "The Midnight Visitor," he doesn't fit any of these typical descriptions. He is described as being fat and sloppy. He also retains his American accent, even after residing in Paris for twenty years. His actions don't involve thrilling chases or confrontations, but rather clever manipulation and deception. His tools are not high-tech gadgets but his wit and remarkable ability to remain calm under pressure.
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How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? Look back at his detailed description of it. What makes it a convincing story?
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Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? Or did he make up a plan taking advantage of events as they happened?
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In this story, Ausable shows great ‘presence of mind’ or the ability to think quickly and act calmly and wisely, in a station of danger and surprise. Give examples from your own experience or narrate a story, which shows someone’s presence of mind.
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Extra Questions - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago.
And then there was his accent. Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago.
a. Who is 'he' in the above extract?
b. Where is he at present?
c. What impression did he create on Fowler?
a. The 'he' in the above extract refers to Ausable.
b. He is presently in a gloomy French hotel where he has a room. This hotel is located in Paris, where he has been living for the last twenty years after coming from Boston.
c. Ausable creates an impression of disappointment on Fowler. Given his description as a secret agent, Fowler had expected a mysterious, adventurous character. However, the reality of Ausable's fat physique, American accent, and the setting of a small room in a musty hotel let down Fowler's expectations.
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“You are disillusioned,” Ausable told him. “But take cheer, my young friend. Presently you will see a paper, a quite important paper for which several men and women have risked their lives, come to me. Someday soon that paper may well affect the course of history. In that thought is drama, is there not?”
a. Who is 'my young friend' in the above extract?
b. What is the 'important paper' referred to here?
c. Find a word from the passage that means the same as 'disappointed'.
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Who actually knocked at the door of Ausable’s room? Why did he come there?
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Quiz - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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About the Author - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
Robert Arthur was an American writer, editor, and author of over 100 short stories, novels, and radio and television scripts. He was best known for his work in the mystery, suspense , and horror genres , and is credited with creating the popular television series, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Born in 1909, Arthur began his career as a reporter and later moved on to writing fiction to continue exploring his passion for storytelling. Throughout his career, Arthur received numerous awards for his contribution to the world of fiction and entertainment. He passed away in 1969, leaving behind a rich legacy of engaging , thrilling, and thought-provoking stories.
Summary - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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Plot - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
I. Description of Ausable
Ausable is a fat, American-accented man who does not fit the usual description of a secret agent.
II. Ausable and Fowler
Ausable brings Fowler, a young romantic writer, to his room in French hotel, ...
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Themes - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
Deception and Trickery : This theme is showcased in Ausable's tactics throughout the story. He deceives Max into believing that there is a balcony outside the window which ultimately results in Max's downfall. He also deceives Fowler by leading him to believe that the police were on their way to protect the important document.
Appearance versus Reality: Ausable doesn't fit the Conventional image of a spy, ...
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Important Lines - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
“You are disappointed,” Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. “You were told that I was a secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage and danger." This line is significant because it reveals Ausable’s role as a secret agent, setting the stage for the suspense and conflicts in the story.
“You have been bored!” This is Ausable’s intriguing response to Fowler’s disappointment, showing the latter's naivety and initial [misconception s] about espionage .
"And as the light came on, Fowler had his first authentic thrill of the day. For halfway across the room, a small automatic pistol in his hand, stood a man.” This statement marks the ...
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Character Sketches - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
Ausable
Ausable is a secret agent, portrayed in a manner that defies the stereotypes commonly associated wit h this profession. He is depicted as an overweight gentleman wit h an American accent, as he has only partially lost the accent he acquired from his hometown Boston. His appearance is far from the traditional lean , action-oriented depiction of spies. Work experience of years in Paris has made him proficient in both French and German, and he is depicted as someone who thoroughly understands and enjoys his responsibilities as a spy.
Despite his ....
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Vocabulary - The Midnight Visitor | Footprints Without Feet | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
romantic: imaginative; having a fantastic view of reality
She had a romantic notion of love, believing in grand gestures and everlasting passion.passably : just well enough; tolerably well
Although he couldn't speak French fluently, he managed to communicate passably with the locals during his trip to Paris.espionage : spying
The intelligence agency specialized in espionage , gathering classified information through covert operations.sloppy : (here) carelessly dressed
Despite his sloppy appearance, he possessed exceptional skills in computer programming.chuckled : laughed quietly, without opening his mouth
The comedian's witty................................
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