LESSON NO.

3 HIS FIRST FLIGHT By Liam O’Flaherty

THEME:
His First Flight is a metaphor for overcoming fear when facing new challenges. The young seagull,
paralyzed by self-doubt, fears failure despite having the ability to fly. His turning point comes when
hunger outweighs his fear, and his mother gently encourages him to take the leap. Once he does, he
discovers his capability, and the anxiety that once held him back vanishes, replaced by confidence and
freedom. The story highlights how stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for growth and self-
assurance.

Short Answer Questions :

Q1 . Validate the given statement with reference to a baby seagull's fear. "Fear doesn't exist anywhere else
other than in one's mind." (2023)
ANSWER: In "His First Flight," the baby seagull’s terror of flying illustrates that fear is merely a construct
of the mind. While he had the ability to fly like his siblings, his thoughts were clouded with uncertainty
and doubt. He envisioned falling and failing, which prevented him from taking off. However, once he
conquered that fear and took the plunge, he discovered that he could fly effortlessly. This demonstrates
that fear was never an external factor—it existed solely in his mind, hindering him from realizing his true
capabilities.
Q2. Flying is a natural act in birds. Then why was the young seagull ‘exhausted by the strange exercise’? Justify
the given statement with reference to baby seagull’s fear. [2024, 40-50 words]
ANSWER: Although flying is instinctive for birds, the young seagull's fear and inexperience made it feel
like a foreign and overwhelming task. His reluctance to leave the safety of the ground stemmed from a
deep fear of failure and the unknown. When he finally mustered the courage to spread his wings, the
effort was exhausting not only physically but emotionally. The struggle to overcome his fear made the
natural act of flight feel unfamiliar and strenuous. His initial exhaustion reflects the mental and
emotional toll fear can take, especially when faced with new challenges. Thus, the young seagull’s fear
and hesitation turned a natural instinct into a difficult, unfamiliar
experience.
Q3 What trick did the mother seagull use to encourage her young one to fly? (2021)
ANSWER: In her first flight, the mother seagull employed an ingenious tactic to help her chick face its
fear of flying. Aware of its hunger, she flew nearby with a piece of fish in her beak but refrained from
giving it to him. Lured by the food, the young seagull swooped down towards it, and during this
movement, he instinctively flapped his wings and started to fly. This smart maneuver encouraged him to
realize his potential, allowing him to overcome his fear.

Q4 Bring out the contrast between the young seagull's initial attempts to fly and his first successful flight (2024)
ANSWER: The young seagull’s initial attempts to fly were marked by fear, hesitation, and self-doubt. He
was afraid that his wings wouldn’t support him, so he refused to jump off the ledge, even though his
siblings had already learned to fly. He stayed alone, hungry and scared.
In contrast, his first successful flight was full of confidence and joy. Once he overcame his fear and took
the leap, he realized he could fly naturally. He flapped his wings, soared through the air, and even
started diving and gliding. What began in fear ended in freedom and excitement, showing his
transformation from doubt to self-belief.
LONG ANSWER QUESTION (100-120 WORDS)

Q A noted author Richard Back wrote “-for most gulls it was not flying that mattered, but eating. For
this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered but flight,” evaluate this statement with respect to
the young seagull in 100 -120 words.
ANSWER: Richard Bach’s observation elegantly highlights the distinction between simply living and
pursuing a life filled with meaning. While the majority of gulls fly solely to find food, one exceptional gull
soars purely for the joy of flying. In a similar way, the young seagull in the narrative starts off as fearful
and grounded, too apprehensive to take to the sky. Though hunger pricks at him, his fears restrain him.
However, the instant he takes the leap of faith, he realizes that flying is not just about survival—it is
about liberation. The gusts supporting his wings symbolize freedom, bravery, and self-discovery. Like
Bach’s gull, the young seagull ultimately understands that true fulfillment in life comes not from merely
addressing basic needs, but from overcoming fear and soaring confidently into the open skies.

Q2. Motivation plays an important role in taking risks in life and in succeeding. Do you agree?
Discuss with reference to the pilot of the old Dakota and the young seagull. [2023, 100-120
words]
ANSWER: Yes, motivation is crucial in taking risks and achieving success. In the story of the pilot in The
Black Aeroplane, his motivation to keep flying through a violent storm is driven by his determination to
reach safety. The mysterious black aeroplane that appears and leads him through the darkness acts as
both a guide and a source of inspiration, offering hope and confidence when the pilot feels lost.
Similarly, in the story of the young seagull, his motivation to fly comes from both his hunger and his
mother's encouragement. She pushes him to face his fears, and only when he finally takes the leap does
he experience the freedom of flight. In both stories, external forces—whether the mysterious guide or
the nurturing mother—play a vital role in motivating the characters to overcome their fears and
succeed.
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THE BLACK AEROPLANE By Frederick Forsyth

THEME:

The theme of The Black Aeroplane explores the power of hope, courage, and trust in the face of
uncertainty. The story follows a pilot who, lost in a violent storm, encounters a mysterious black
aeroplane that guides him to safety. This encounter symbolizes the unexpected help that can appear
during moments of crisis. The pilot’s decision to follow the unknown plane despite his fear highlights the
importance of faith and bravery when navigating through difficult situations, suggesting that sometimes,
we must trust our instincts and embrace the unknown to survive and overcome challenges.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q1 Why was the pilot of Dakota aeroplane frightened again? [2020, 30-40 words]
Answer: While flying his Dakota aeroplane the narrator saw that the sky was full of dark clouds and he
could not see anything. There was not enough fuel to go back to Paris and his compass and radio
stopped working. He was feeling afraid and helpless when he suddenly saw another aeroplane outside.
The pilot of that aeroplane asked the narrator to follow him and began to guide him through the clouds.
However, after some time, the narrator realized that there was very little fuel left in the Dakota’s tank
and this is when he was frightened again.
Q2 Recount the experience of the pilot of the Dakota inside the black clouds.
Answer: The Dakota pilot flew into dark storm clouds, losing visibility and control as his instruments
failed. He felt lost and terrified. Suddenly, a mysterious black aeroplane appeared and guided him safely
through the storm. After landing, he was shocked to learn no other plane had been seen, leaving him
wondering who the unknown pilot was.

Q3. How and when did the narrator feel that he was safe now?
Answer: When the pilot of another plane came to the narrator’s help, he was extremely happy. When
he said “Follow me,” the narrator obeyed him like an obedient child. The strange black aeroplane was
still guiding him. The narrator got worried as the old Dakota had petrol enough to fly for five or ten
minutes. Suddenly when he was going down, he found himself out of clouds. He saw two long straight
lines of lights of the runway. There was an airport where he could land safely.

Q4. How does the author create a sense of mystery around the black aeroplane and its pilot?"
Answer: The Author creates mystery by introducing a black aeroplane that appears out of
nowhere to guide the lost pilot through a dangerous storm. After landing, the control tower
confirms that no such plane existed or was visible on the radar. The pilot’s confusion and lack of
explanation leave readers wondering if the black aeroplane was real or supernatural.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS(100-120 WORDS):

Q1. A pilot is lost in the storm clouds. Does he arrive safely? Who helps him?
Answer: In The Black Aeroplane by Frederick Forsyth, a pilot is flying his Dakota aircraft at night
when he unexpectedly gets caught in a violent storm. All his instruments fail—his compass
stops working, radio communication is lost, and he can’t see anything ahead. Lost in the dark
skies and running low on fuel, he begins to panic, thinking he might crash.
Just then, he sees another airplane—completely black—flying beside him. The mysterious pilot
in the black aeroplane signals him to follow. Without any other option, he follows the stranger
through the storm. Eventually, the black aeroplane leads him safely out of the clouds, and he
lands at an airport. After landing, the pilot asks the staff about the other aircraft, but they tell
him no other plane was flying that night, and no one saw it on the radar. This leaves the pilot
shocked and confused. He realizes he has been saved, but he has no idea who helped him,
making the black aeroplane and its pilot a complete mystery.

Q2. From the beginning to the end of the lesson the black aeroplane is a mystery. How?
Answer: From the beginning to the end of The Black Aeroplane, the story maintains an air of mystery
surrounding the identity of the black aeroplane. The narrator started his journey with old Dakota – 088.
At that time, the sty was clear. But suddenly, he found himself in the midst of black clouds. He took the
risk of entering through the black. Clouds There was zero visibility, everything was black. He couldn’t
find any way to escape, suddenly encounters a strange plane that leads him to safety. Throughout the
flight, he has no idea who the other pilot is or where the plane came from. As he follows it through the
storm, he places his trust in the unknown, believing the mysterious aeroplane is guiding him to safety.
However, when he lands and checks for the plane, he finds there is no trace of it. This unresolved
mystery leaves the reader questioning the nature of the black aeroplane—whether it was a figment of
the pilot's imagination or something supernatural.
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Poem-3 HOW TO TELL THE WILD ANIMALS By Carolyn Wells

Summary
"How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carolyn Wells is a witty poem that provides a lighthearted guide for
recognizing various wild animals. The narrator explains how to spot creatures such as tigers, lions, leopards,
and bears by examining their physical characteristics and behaviors. For instance, a tiger can be recognized
by its yellow and black stripes, while a lion is noted for its prominent mane.
The poem amusingly implies that if you see an animal with spots, it’s likely a leopard, and if you come
across a big, powerful creature, it might be a bear. The poem maintains a cheerful tone and playfully
highlights the often wild and perilous characteristics of these animals. It wraps up by jokingly stating
that if the animal appears mild and non-threatening, it’s probably not a wild one at all. In general, the
poem utilizes.
Theme:
The poem "How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carolyn Wells uses humor and exaggeration to explore the
wildness of nature. Through playful descriptions, it teaches readers how to identify various animals by
their features, such as tigers, lions, and leopards, by their distinct physical features, like stripes, spots, or
manes. while also highlighting the unpredictability and power of the wild. The light-hearted tone
reduces fear and suggests that careful observation can help one understand even the most dangerous
creatures. Finally, the poem introduces an element of surprise by suggesting that not all wild animals are
necessarily dangerous, encouraging readers to consider that appearances can sometimes be deceiving.
Overall, the theme reflects a balance between respecting the wild, using humor to reduce fear, and
recognizing that nature’s unpredictability can be both intriguing and amusing.

Short Answer Questions:

Q1. Why is the term ‘bear hug’ ironical in the poem How to Tell the Wild Animals?

Answer: The term ‘bear hug’ is ironical because it usually means a warm, loving embrace.
However, in the poem, it refers to the fatal grip of a bear that can crush a person. The contrast
between the friendly expression and the deadly reality creates humor and highlights the
poem’s playful approach to describing dangerous animals.

Q2. “Humour is the perfect medicine for all diseases.” Discuss this statement by taking
examples from the poem How to Tell Wild Animals.
Answer: The proverb “Humour is the perfect medicine for all diseases” means that laughter can
help ease fear, stress, and even serious situations. In the poem How to Tell Wild Animals,
Carolyn Wells uses humour to describe dangerous animals in a funny and exaggerated way. She
jokes that if a Bengal tiger eats you, you’ll know it’s a tiger. A deadly “bear hug” is made to
sound affectionate. The poet also amusingly says that hyenas can be identified by their “merry
smiles,” and crocodiles by their “tears” as they eat—playing on the phrase “crocodile tears.”
These ironic images reduce the fear of wild creatures, proving that humour can turn even
terrifying situations into something entertaining and light-hearted.

Q3. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be distinguished from
crocodiles?
Answer: In the poem, the poet humorously suggests that even a novice can identify wild
animals by observing their unique traits — though often in extreme or dangerous situations.
For example, hyenas are described as animals that “come with merry smiles,” refers to the
hyena's facial expression, which looks like it's smiling. However, this is ironic and humorous,
because although the hyena appears to be smiling, it is actually a dangerous wild animal. while
crocodiles can be recognized by their “tears” as they appear to weep while eating. This playful
exaggeration makes identification amusing rather than scientific.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS: (100 -120 Words)

Q1 Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What tricks does the poet adopt in
distinguishing various wild animals?
Answer: No doubt, every animal is unique. Every wild animal has his own special trait, colour, size and
characteristics. The Asian Lion is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and mighty
creature with brownish hide. His roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. The Bengal Tiger is
‘noble’ and impressive wild animal. He has yellowish hide and black stripes all over it. The Leopard has
dark spots all over his body. He is very agile. The moment he sees its prey, he pounces upon it without
showing any mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight hug. It becomes rather difficult for a
novice to distinguish among wild animals. However, hyenas and crocodiles can be easily recognised.
Hyenas come smiling merrily while crocodiles appear to be weeping. The chameleon is a small creature
like a lizard. He has no ears and doesn’t have even a single wing. You can find him sitting on a tree.

Q2. The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’. How do you
think we need lots of it in our daily life?
Answer: The poet in How to Tell Wild Animals cleverly uses humour to make the identification of
dangerous creatures more amusing and less intimidating. Humour allows us to view these wild animals
in a lighter, more playful way, even when discussing their deadly characteristics. Similarly, in our daily
lives, humour acts as a powerful tool to cope with stress, challenges, and difficult situations. It helps us
maintain a positive outlook, even in times of adversity. Just like in the poem, where the threat of wild
animals is made less frightening through exaggeration and wit, humour in life helps ease tension and
connect people. By laughing at our problems or approaching life’s difficulties with a lighter attitude, we
can navigate the ups and downs with greater ease and resilience.
POETIC DEVICES :
Rhyme Scheme: The rhyme scheme of the poem is ‘ababcc’.
Tone The poet narrates the poem in a humorous tone.
Example: Her descriptions of how animals like tiger, lion and leopard kill are intended to make us
laugh.
Her statement about a bear hug is also an example of humorous tone employed in the poem.
Imagery: The use of descriptive language by a poet or an author that helps the reader to visualise the
pictures in one’s mind.
Example: The image of the Bengal tiger is created when we read the lines ‘A noble beast greets you,
with black stripes with a yellow background.
Oxymoron: is a figure of speech that combines contradictory or opposite terms to create a new
phrase that expresses a paradoxical idea.
Example The oxymoron is used in “noble wild beast” and in the phrase ‘true Chameleon‘ .These
contradictory phrases create a paradoxical expression, making it an oxymoron.
Metaphor In the poem, the metaphors have been used in an ironical way.
Example: roar with pain – the painful voice compared ironically with the roar of a leopard.
A noble wild beast – Ironically leopard is shown here as a noble one
the term ‘caress’ is used ironically for a bear’s claw attack.
Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound that is used in the beginning of the closely placed
words.
Example The phrases ‘lep and lep again’, ‘roaming round’, ‘very, very hard’ and ‘novice might
nonplus’ are examples of alliteration in the poem.
Repetition: is a poetic device that is used to repeat single words, phrases or even stanzas at intervals.
Example He’ll only lep and lep again.
Who hugs you very, very hard
Personification: This poetic device is used to bestow human qualities on something that is not
human.
Example The poet refers to the tiger not as ‘it’ but as ‘he’.
In the poem, the ‘hyena’ and ‘crocodile’ have been personified. The human qualities of ‘smiling’ and
‘weeping’ have been given to the hyena and crocodile respectively.
Irony is a poetic device that is used by the poets to bring humour or satire on somebody or
something. It is done by giving two meanings to a word or a phrase, i.e., surface meaning and
underlying meaning.
Example A noble wild beast greets you.
He’ll give you just one more caress.
Poetic Licence: With the use of poetic license, the poet not only maintains the rhyme scheme but also
creates a humorous effect in the poem.
Example The poet has employed poetic licence in her use of language in the poem. In some stanzas,
she has shortened words like ‘lept’, ‘lep’, and ‘dyin’.Also, certain sentences are framed differently in
the poem like ‘novice might nonplus’ and ‘if strolling forth, a beast you view’.
 Poem 4 The Ball Poem by John Berryman

Summary
The Ball Poem" is a short but meaningful poem about growing up and learning to deal with loss. The
poet describes a boy who loses his ball, which rolls away and falls into the water. Though the ball is
inexpensive, it holds great sentimental value to the boy. He is deeply saddened because the ball
represents a part of his childhood, memories, and innocence.
The poem uses this simple incident as a metaphor to convey a deeper message: everyone experiences
loss in life. Through the boy’s emotional reaction, the poet emphasizes how important it is to accept and
cope with such losses instead of constantly trying to replace them. The boy learns, perhaps for the first
time, what it means to lose something permanently—and this moment becomes a lesson in
responsibility and maturity.

Theme:
The primary focus of "The Ball Poem" is the experience of loss, highlighting how it drives emotional
growth and maturity.
In the seemingly simple act of a boy losing his ball, the poet delivers a profound insight. Throughout life,
everyone encounters loss—whether it’s something tangible, a loved one, or a transitional period. The
ball represents the boy’s innocence and youth, and its absence signals his initial steps into a more
complex reality, where not everything aligns with his desires. Through this simple incident, the poet
highlights how loss is a part of growing up. The boy begins to understand that not everything can be
replaced, — he is beginning to own his emotions and learn to navigate the challenges that life presents.
The poem teaches that maturity comes when we learn to deal with pain, accept change, and move
forward with courage.

Short Answer Questions :

Q1 Write the sum and substance of the poem, “The Ball Poem” ( 2016CBSE)
Answer: In "The Ball Poem", the poet John Berryman explores the theme of loss and the emotional
maturity that comes with it. A boy loses his ball, which symbolizes his childhood and innocence. As he
faces the loss, he begins to understand that life involves such experiences, and one must learn to accept
and cope with them as part of growing up.

Q2 Why was the boy upset on losing his ball? [2019, 30-40 words]
Answer: The boy was upset on losing his ball because it was deeply connected to his childhood
memories and emotions. It wasn’t just a toy—it symbolized his innocence and past experiences. Losing
the ball made him realize that some things in life are gone forever, marking his first experience with loss
and the emotional pain that comes with it.

Q3 Why does the poet not offer the boy money to buy another ball? [2020, 30-40 words]
Answer: The poet does not offer the boy money to buy another ball because he wants the boy to learn
the deeper meaning of loss. By not replacing the ball, the poet allows the boy to experience grief and
understand that some things cannot be replaced. This lesson helps the boy grow emotionally and face
future losses with maturity.

Q4 Why does the poet say that ‘Money is external’?

Answer: The poet says that “Money is external” to emphasize that it cannot replace true emotional
value or heal inner loss. While money can buy another ball, it cannot bring back the memories and
feelings attached to the lost one. The phrase highlights that some losses are deeply personal, and
material wealth cannot restore the emotional connections we have with certain things.

Q5. How does the boy ‘Senses first responsibility?

Answer: The boy senses his first responsibility when he realizes that no one will replace the lost ball for
him. He begins to understand that he must cope with the loss on his own. This moment marks his first
step into maturity, as he learns that life involves taking responsibility for personal experiences and
dealing with grief independently.
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LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS: (100 -120 Words)

Q1 The Ball poem initially appears simple but it is actually quite impactful and intense. Comment
upon the theme of the ball poem
Answer : At first glance, The Ball Poem by John Berryman appears to be a simple narrative about a boy
losing his ball. However, beneath its simplicity lies a profound and intense theme of loss, growth, and
emotional maturity. The poem explores the boy’s first experience with grief and disappointment,
symbolizing the inevitable losses one faces in life. The ball represents his childhood, innocence, and
sense of security. When it is lost, he begins to understand the permanence of loss and the painful
process of letting go. Instead of offering comfort or replacement, the poet allows the boy to confront
reality. This moment becomes a powerful lesson in resilience. The poem beautifully conveys that
understanding loss is essential to developing strength and emotional depth.

Q2. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the boy? Why doesn’t the poet want to
‘intrude on’ the boy by offering him money to buy another ball?
Answer: In The Ball Poem, the lost ball symbolizes the boy’s lost childhood and innocence. The ball is not
just a toy, but a cherished possession representing carefree days and emotional attachment. Its loss
marks the boy’s first encounter with the harsh reality of life—change, separation, and growing up. The
poet uses the ball as a metaphor for the inevitable loss that comes with age and experience. He chooses
not to intrude or offer money for a new ball because he understands that this moment is an important
emotional lesson. Replacing the ball would deny the boy the chance to learn resilience and acceptance.
The poet respects the boy’s emotional growth, knowing that true understanding comes through facing
disappointment, not avoiding it.

Q3 What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has the child learned to stand
up in life?
Answer: In the context of The Ball Poem by John Berryman, the epistemology of loss refers to the boy’s
first experience of understanding that some losses are permanent and cannot be replaced by material
means. When the boy loses his ball, he feels a deep emotional pain because the ball symbolizes his
childhood and precious memories. The poet emphasizes that “money is external,” suggesting that
financial compensation cannot heal emotional wounds. The child, upon losing his ball, experiences this
realization for the first time. He does not cry for a replacement but begins to internalize the pain,
recognizing that some losses are inevitable and must be faced alone. Through this personal loss, the boy
learns an important life lesson—that loss is a part of life, and one must accept it and move on. This
moment marks his first step toward responsibility and emotional maturity, teaching him how to stand
up and face life’s inevitable hardships with strength.
 POETIC DEVICES in "The Ball Poem"
Symbolism: The ball symbolizes the boy’s childhood, innocence, and personal loss. Losing it
represents the beginning of emotional maturity.
Metaphor: This poetic device is used when a covert comparison is made between two different things
or ideas.
Example: ‘All his young days into the harbour where His ball went’ is an example of metaphor.
It draws a comparison between the lost ball and the loss of the boy’s childhood
Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
Example: “buy another ball” (repetition of 'b' sound)
“what, what” (repetition of ‘w’ sound)

Imagery The poet uses vivid descriptions to create mental pictures.

Example: “The ball went merrily bouncing down the street” — helps the reader visualize the scene.
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Example: “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.” — Here, money is treated as if it lacks
emotional value.
Enjambment : A sentence or phrase runs over from one line to the next without punctuation.
It Creates a natural, flowing rhythm and reflects the boy’s ongoing thoughts.
Example: The 2nd and the 3rd line of the first stanza
1st to 3rd line of the second stanza
almost the entire third and fourth stanza
Apostrophe: This poetic device is used when the poet addresses his poem to an absent audience.
The poet uses the literary device of ‘apostrophe’ to address the little boy.
Although he is talking to the boy, the boy is away from him, and does not respond to him.
Example: ” Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.”
Anaphora: Use of two words in two or more lines
Example: “what is the boy” …………… “what, what”
Assonance: Use of vowel sound ‘e’
Example: “He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes.”
Repetition : Certain words or ideas are repeated to emphasize a theme.
Example: The word “ball” is repeated to focus attention on the loss.

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Lesson3 THE MID NIGHT VISITOR By Robert Arthur

Theme of the Story

The central theme of The Midnight Visitor is intelligence and presence of mind over physical
strength or appearance. The story emphasizes that true power lies in quick thinking and smart
decision-making rather than looks or force. Ausable, an unlikely-looking secret agent, defeats a
dangerous situation not with weapons but with clever lies and calm behavior. Another theme is
deception as a tool of survival—Ausable creates believable false stories (the balcony and the
police) to trick Max, showing how wit can be used to turn the tables in a crisis. The story also
highlights how appearances can be misleading, teaching the lesson: never judge a book by its
cover. Ausable’s success proves that sharp intellect can overcome any threat.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS :

Q1 Who was Henry? What role did he play in Ausable’s plan? [2024, 40-50 words]
Answer: Henry was a server at the French hotel where Ausable had a room. He played a vital part
in helping Ausable’s plan as it was Henry’s knock at the door which frightened Max as he mistook it
to be a policeman at the door. This confusion forced Max to jump from the window assuming it to be
a deck and hence helping Ausable’s plan to get relief from Max.

Q2. Describe Max as a secret agent. [2023, 40-50 words]

Answer: Max, in The Midnight Visitor, is a secret agent who was thin, with average height. He was
crafty like a fox. There was nothing menacing about him except his pistol. Though he appears bold
and threatening but lacks intelligence and presence of mind. He enters Ausable’s room with a gun,
demanding important papers. However, he is easily fooled by Ausable’s fabricated stories, showing his
gullibility. Max’s overconfidence and lack of clever thinking ultimately lead to his downfall.

Q3. One should never judge a book by its cover. Explain with reference to Ausable and how he
outwits Max with his presence of mind. [2024, 40-50 words]
Answer: One should never judge a book by its cover, and Ausable in The Midnight Visitor is a perfect
example of this. Although he appears overweight, slow, and nothing like a typical secret agent, he
displays remarkable intelligence and presence of mind. Faced with danger, he stays calm and cleverly
invents a story about a balcony and the police. His quick thinking tricks Max, the armed intruder, into
jumping out of the window. This shows that true strength lies in wit and smart thinking, not in outward
appearance
Q4. What purpose did the ‘balcony’ serve in the story, ‘The Midnight Visitor’? [2020, 30-40
words]

Answer: In The Midnight Visitor, the imaginary balcony served as a clever trick used by Ausable to
outsmart the intruder, Max. When Max threatened him with a gun, Ausable calmly invented a story
about a balcony just outside the window to create a believable escape route. He added more realism by
pretending that someone had previously entered his room through it. This made Max anxious and, when
he heard a knock (which Ausable said was the police), he panicked and jumped out of the window to
escape. The balcony was purely fictional, but it played a crucial role in saving Ausable’s life and showing
his presence of mind and intelligence.

Long Answer Questions: (100-120 WORDS)

Q1. Give the character sketch of Ausable in ‘The Mid Night Visitor’
Answer: Ausable is a secret agent in The Midnight Visitor, but he does not fit the typical image of a spy.
He is overweight, speaks with a strong American accent, and stays in a modest hotel room, making him
seem ordinary and unimpressive. However, beneath this appearance lies a sharp, intelligent, and quick-
witted man. Ausable is calm even in dangerous situations and uses his presence of mind to handle
threats smartly.
When Max, the enemy agent, threatens him with a gun, Ausable doesn’t panic. Instead, he invents a
story about a balcony and calmly mentions the police to trick Max into jumping out of the window. His
ability to think on his feet and remain composed under pressure shows his true strength. Ausable’s
character proves that intelligence and cleverness are the real tools of a successful spy
Q2 Describe in detail the two false stories planned by Ausable to get rid of Max,the secret agent. Did
the false stories have the desired effect?

Answer: In The Midnight Visitor, Ausable uses two clever false stories to outwit Max, who has broken
into his room to steal important documents. First, Ausable invents a story about a balcony just outside
the window, which Max believes is a possible escape route. He describes it convincingly, making Max
think he could escape through it. Second, when a knock is heard at the door, Ausable calmly tells Max it
must be the police, who regularly check on him because of his sensitive work. This causes Max to panic,
fearing capture. Both stories are completely fabricated, but they have the desired effect. Max, believing
in the balcony and fearing the police, jumps out of the window in an attempt to escape, ultimately
falling to his death. Ausable’s quick thinking and presence of mind save him.

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