The Midnight Visitor — Notes

Summary

Ausable's Unconventional Persona

Ausable, a secret agent in Paris, does not match the romanticized image of spies that writer Fowler had. Fowler, expecting mystery and danger, finds Ausable to be a stout, ordinary-looking man with a persistent American accent, living in a small, sixth-floor hotel room. Ausable explains that his life, though involved with crucial, history-altering papers, is less about dramatic encounters and more about the drama of consequence.

Max's Threat and the Stolen Report

As Ausable and Fowler enter his room, they are confronted by Max, another secret agent, holding a pistol. Max demands a report concerning new missiles that is expected to be delivered to Ausable that night, believing it will be safer with him. Fowler is terrified, experiencing his first real thrill.

Ausable's Explanation of the Balcony

Ausable, feigning irritation, complains to Max about the management for failing to block off a balcony. He explains that someone previously entered his room through this balcony, which actually belongs to the adjacent apartment and can be accessed from a room two doors down. This explanation is crucial for Max's subsequent actions.

The Arrival and Max's Escape

Max, agitated by the thought of the management's negligence and the potential for guards to enter, reveals he used a passkey and was unaware of the balcony. He instructs Ausable and Fowler to sit down, anticipating a half-hour wait for the report. Suddenly, there is a knocking at the door. Ausable calmly announces it's the police, whom he had requested for protection.

The Waiter's Deception and Max's Demise

Panicked by the knocking and the prospect of the police, Max decides to escape via the supposed balcony. He warns Ausable to send the police away, threatening to shoot. As Max swings himself out of the window, he screams once, shrilly. The door opens, not to police, but to a waiter delivering a drink, as Ausable had anticipated.

The Truth Revealed

A white-faced Fowler, stammering about the police, is informed by Ausable that there were no police, only Henry, the waiter, whom he was expecting. When Fowler asks about the man on the balcony, Ausable reveals the truth: there is no balcony. Max, expecting a balcony, has fallen to his death from the sixth-floor window.

Remember

Ausable's success hinges on his ability to think quickly and use the immediate situation to his advantage, rather than relying on physical strength or typical spy gadgets.

Exam-smart

An extract might describe Max pointing the gun at Ausable and Fowler, or Max's reaction to the knocking. Students would need to infer Ausable's cleverness and Max's desperation from his dialogue and actions.

Characters

Ausable

A secret agent who is unexpectedly different from the typical spy.

• Unconventional Appearance: He is described as "fat. Very fat," which contrasts sharply with the sleek, adventurous spies often depicted. Fowler felt "let down" because Ausable did not fit the mold.
• Distinctive Accent: He has "never altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago," even though he speaks French and German. This suggests a long period away from his origin and a less mysterious persona.
• Intellectual and Witty: Despite his appearance, Ausable possesses a sharp mind and "presence of mind." He uses his intellect to outsmart Max, fabricating a story about a balcony to trap him. His lines like "You are disillusioned... But take cheer, my young friend. Presently you will see a paper..." show his ability to manage situations.
• Calm and Resourceful: In the face of immediate danger from Max, Ausable remains calm and devises a plan. He uses his knowledge of the hotel management and a pre-arranged drink order to his advantage, demonstrating his strategic thinking. His explanation to Fowler, "'That will be the police,' he said. 'I told them to check on me to make sure everything was all right,'" is a masterful deception.

Ausable does not change significantly by the end of the story; he remains the clever, unconventional secret agent he was at the beginning, having successfully navigated a dangerous situation.

Max

Another secret agent, who is threatening and manipulative.

• Appearance: He is described as "slender, a little less than tall, with features that suggested slightly the crafty, pointed countenance of a fox."
• Menacing Intent: Max carries an "automatic pistol in his hand" and demands "The report" concerning "some new missiles." His intention is to steal the crucial paper. He murmurs, "It will be safer in my hands than in yours."
• Tricked by Ausable: Max is ultimately fooled by Ausable's fabricated story about a balcony. He believes Ausable's detailed description and the urgent knocking at the door, leading him to attempt an escape through what he thinks is a balcony. His question, "Balcony?" with "a rising inflection," shows his surprise and momentary confusion about Ausable's claim, but he is ultimately convinced.
• Impulsive and Cornered: When he believes the police have arrived and he has no escape route through the door, Max becomes "black with anger" and "backed swiftly towards the window," willing to take chances on the supposed balcony. His "shrilly" scream indicates his panic and realization of his mistake.

Max is a defeated antagonist by the end of the story, captured due to his own greed and Ausable's superior wit.

Fowler

A young writer who is eager to experience the life of a secret agent.

• Romantic Expectations: Fowler is a writer who "wished to meet" Ausable because he "are a writer, young and romantic." He "envisioned mysterious figures in the night, the crack of pistols, drugs in the wine."
• Disillusioned and Disappointed: Initially, Fowler is "disappointed" and "disillusioned" by Ausable's appearance ("fat") and the seemingly mundane events ("dull evening," "sloppy fat man," "prosaic telephone call"). He finds the situation "boring."
• First Authentic Thrill: Fowler experiences his "first authentic thrill of the day" when he sees Max holding a pistol, realizing the reality of espionage.
• Observant but Passive: Fowler observes the events unfolding, standing "stiffly not far from Ausable," and is clearly startled by the knocking. He asks questions like, "'But the police...?'" and "'But won’t that man out on the balcony…?'" showing his growing understanding and confusion.

Fowler begins the story with a naive, romantic view of espionage and ends it with a more realistic, though still awed, perspective after witnessing Ausable's cleverness.

Other characters

• Henry: The waiter who brings the "drink you ordered." He is a part of Ausable's plan to deceive Max, and his arrival is mistaken for the police by Max.

Remember

Competency-based questions often test understanding of character motivation and how a character's traits are revealed through their actions and dialogue, rather than just their description.

Exam-smart

An extract might show Ausable speaking about the "paper" and its importance, or Max confronting Ausable with the gun. You would need to identify their motivations (Ausable's desire to protect the report and outwit Max; Max's greed for the report) and their traits (Ausable's intelligence, Max's aggression).

Themes and Message

Intelligence and Presence of Mind Over Brute Force

The story highlights that cleverness and quick thinking can be more effective than physical strength or weapons. Ausable, despite being described as "fat" and not fitting the typical secret agent image, uses his presence of mind to overcome Max, who is armed with a pistol.

• Evidence: Max threatens Ausable with a gun, demanding the report. Ausable, instead of panicking, fabricates a story about a balcony and then invents the imminent arrival of the police.
• Significance: This theme suggests that intelligence is a more potent weapon for a secret agent than physical prowess. Ausable's ability to "think fast and act calmly and wisely, in a situation of danger and surprise" saves him.

Deception and Manipulation

The narrative showcases how deception can be used to outsmart an opponent. Ausable masterfully deceives Max into believing in a non-existent balcony and the presence of police.

• Evidence: Ausable describes the balcony in detail ("part of a large unit," "balcony which extends under my window now," accessible from "the empty room two doors down"). He then invents the arrival of the police to make Max flee.
• Significance: This demonstrates that manipulating an adversary's perceptions can lead to their downfall, especially when they are under pressure. Max’s desperate attempt to escape via the "balcony" is a direct result of Ausable's fabrication.

The Reality of Espionage vs. Romantic Ideals

The story contrasts the romanticized perception of secret agents with the mundane reality of espionage. Ausable’s character and his environment shatter writer Fowler’s idealistic expectations.

• Evidence: Fowler, a writer, is disappointed to find Ausable "fat" and his room "small," "gloomy," and "scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure." He expected "mysterious figures in the night, the crack of pistols, drugs in the wine," not a "sloppy fat man" who receives "a prosaic telephone call."
• Significance: This theme explores the glamorization of spy work in fiction versus its often unglamorous and dangerous truth. It emphasizes that the real drama lies in the stakes (the "important paper" affecting "the course of history") rather than the outward appearance of the agents.

Ausable's Unique Approach to Secret Agents

The story defines a secret agent not by his appearance or usual methods but by his strategic thinking and resourcefulness.

• Evidence: Ausable is "fat" and speaks with an "American accent" after twenty years in Paris. He doesn't fit Fowler's preconceived notions. However, his intelligence allows him to handle a dangerous situation effectively.
• Significance: This challenges stereotypes and suggests that true effectiveness in a profession like espionage comes from adaptability and intellect, not conformity to a mold.

Why the Title "The Midnight Visitor"

The title refers to Max, the unexpected intruder who arrives at Ausable's apartment, seemingly at midnight (though the exact time is implied by the appointment being for "twelve-thirty"). Max is the visitor who disrupts the evening and creates the central conflict. The title also hints at the element of surprise and potential danger associated with the visit.

Tone and Mood

The story begins with a disillusioned and slightly disappointed mood as Fowler perceives Ausable's ordinary appearance. This shifts to suspense and tension with Max's sudden appearance and threat. The mood then transitions to cleverness and dramatic irony as Ausable masterfully manipulates the situation, culminating in a shocking and ironic twist when the waiter arrives instead of the police. The overall tone is witty and suspenseful.

The Message

The writer wants to convey that appearances can be deceiving, and true intelligence and quick thinking are paramount in overcoming challenges, even those that seem physically threatening. The story encourages readers to look beyond superficial traits and recognize the power of a sharp mind.

Remember

The story emphasizes that presence of mind is a key quality for secret agents, allowing them to handle dangerous situations by outsmarting their opponents rather than resorting to violence.

Exam-smart

A source-based question might present Ausable's dialogue about the "balcony" and ask students to identify the literary device used (deception/fabrication) and explain how it contributes to the story's suspense and Ausable's cleverness. Students would need to quote specific lines and explain Ausable's motive for creating the false narrative.

Language and Literary Devices

The Midnight Visitor

Style and point of view

The story is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, primarily focusing on Fowler's perspective. This allows the reader to experience Ausable through Fowler's initial disappointment and later astonishment. The tone shifts from one of understated humour and frustration to one of suspense and cleverness. The use of detailed descriptions and dialogue effectively builds the narrative and reveals the characters' traits.

Remember

The ability to identify and explain the effect of literary devices, not just name them, is crucial for competency-based questions.

Exam-smart

An extract might be given, e.g., Ausable's description of the balcony. You would be asked to identify the literary device used and explain how it contributes to the deception of Max and the suspense of the plot.

Vocabulary

Remember

Learning the meaning of words in context is crucial. It shows understanding beyond simple definitions and helps in appreciating the author's intent.

Exam-smart

You might be given an extract from the story and asked to explain the meaning of a specific word or phrase within that context. For example: "Explain the meaning of the word 'prosaic' as used in the sentence: '...gets only a prosaic telephone call making an appointment in his room.'" Your answer should focus on its meaning of 'ordinary' or 'mundane' in contrast to the romantic adventure Fowler expected.

Questions and Answers

Textbook questions

• How is Ausable different from other secret agents? Ausable does not fit the typical secret agent image; he is fat, speaks with a lingering American accent, and his room is described as gloomy and small, not glamorous or adventurous. He appears more like an ordinary, somewhat sloppy man than a dashing spy.

• Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day? Fowler is a young, romantic writer who expects to meet a secret agent. His first authentic thrill comes when he enters Ausable's room and sees a man, Max, holding a pistol, which he initially believes is part of a dangerous espionage mission.

• How has Max got in? Max claims he used a passkey to enter Ausable's room. He states he was unaware of any balcony.

• How does Ausable say he got in? Ausable explains that Max must have entered through a balcony that belongs to the next apartment, which connects to his room. He mentions the management had promised to block it but hadn't.

• When do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Ausable likely thought up his plan spontaneously, "taking advantage of events as they happened." His quick thinking and calm demeanor in the face of Max's threat suggest he improvised the story about the balcony and the police.

• Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? No, he probably did not have a detailed plan from the beginning. The text suggests he improvised. The immediate threat from Max likely spurred him to create a deceptive narrative to ensure his safety.

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions (40-50 words)

1. Describe the contrast between Ausable's appearance and the typical image of a secret agent. Ausable defies the stereotypical secret agent with his stout physique and persistent American accent, acquired over twenty years in Paris. He lacks the sleekness and mystique often associated with spies in fiction, disappointing the romantic writer Fowler.

2. How did Ausable's quick thinking and clever storytelling help him escape the dangerous situation with Max? Ausable's "presence of mind" was crucial. He invented a plausible story about a balcony and the imminent arrival of the police. This deception caused Max to panic and flee onto the nonexistent balcony, leading to his presumed capture.

3. Explain the significance of the "report" that Max was seeking. The report concerned new missiles and was described as a "quite important paper" that could "affect the course of history." Its imminent delivery made Ausable's room a focal point for espionage, risking the lives of many.

Long Answer Questions (100-120 words)

1. Ausable is portrayed as an unconventional secret agent. Discuss his unique characteristics and how they contribute to the story's suspense and resolution. Ausable's unconventional nature—his physical appearance (fat), his accent, and his mundane room—creates an initial sense of disappointment for Fowler and subverts reader expectations of a spy. This normalcy, however, sets the stage for his ingenious deception. When confronted by Max, Ausable doesn't rely on physical prowess or traditional spycraft but on his sharp intellect and ability to manipulate perception. His fabricated story about the balcony and the police, delivered with calm authority, is his ultimate weapon. This reliance on wit over action highlights that a secret agent's most powerful tool can be their mind.

2. Analyze Ausable's use of deception and 'presence of mind' to outwit Max. How does the story emphasize that intelligence can be more effective than force? Ausable masterfully employs deception. Faced with Max's gun, he doesn't fight but manufactures a compelling narrative: the report's importance, his police protection, and the accessible balcony. He uses Max's own anxieties and assumptions against him. The story underscores that Ausable's quick thinking and logical improvisation, not physical strength, lead to his success. Max, relying on a weapon, falls prey to Ausable's intelligent manipulation. This demonstrates that strategic thinking and the ability to create believable illusions can be far more potent than overt threats or violence in resolving dangerous situations.

Extract-based question

"Max’s face was black with anger as he backed swiftly towards the window. He swung a leg over the sill. “Send them away!” he warned. “I will wait on the balcony. Send them away or I’ll shoot and take my chances!” The knocking at the door became louder and a voice was raised. “Mr Ausable! Mr Ausable!”"

1. What is Max's emotional state, and why is he backing towards the window? Max is black with anger and feeling cornered. He is backing towards the window because he believes he hears the police, and he sees the window as an escape route to the supposed balcony.

2. What does Max threaten to do, and what does he demand? Max threatens to shoot if Ausable does not send the people away. He demands that Ausable get rid of them so he can wait on the balcony.

3. How does this extract build suspense in the story? This extract heightens suspense by creating a tense standoff. Max is armed and desperate, threatening violence. The loud, persistent knocking from the door, which Max perceives as police, forces him into a rash decision to escape via the balcony, escalating the immediate danger.

Remember

The narrative relies heavily on Ausable's 'presence of mind' and his ability to improvise. The twist ending hinges on Max's belief in Ausable's fabricated story.

Exam-smart

Expect questions asking to compare Ausable to typical secret agents, analyze his methods of deception, or explain how he used his intelligence to overcome a physical threat. Source-based questions will likely focus on dialogues that reveal character or plot developments.