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प्रश्न
Sketch the character of Ausable.
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उत्तर
Ausable does not look very handsome, worthy of being called a secret agent or a detective. He is the central character of the story “The Midnight Visitor”. He is not physically very strong. There is nothing elegant or mysterious about him. He is an American who is unable to cover up his American accent when he speaks French and German though he has lived in France for over 20 years. He is practical and shrewd. He is a well-balanced individual. Even at gunpoint, he keeps his cool and instantly cooks up a story to trap the villain, spy Max. He outwits Max without moving from his armchair. He uses his presence of mind. He tells two lies that not only save him and Fowler but also give the momentum for Max to kill himself in an attempt to hide in the non-existent balcony.
APPEARS IN
संबंधित प्रश्न
Compare and contrast the main characters, Aksionov and Makar Semyonich, in the story
Describe the life of Aksionov in prison.
Why did Aksionov decide not to reveal the truth about Makar Semyonich?
Forgiveness is the best form of revenge. Substantiate the statement with reference to the story
Who was Richard Parker?
Describe Pi’s struggle to find drinking water.
How did the presence of Richard Parker influence the attitude of Pi?
If you were lost at sea for as long as Pi was, what is the one item you would want with you? Write a diary entry in which you identify the item and explain why it is the one thing you would want with you.
We judge people around us, based on their qualities and actions. We brand some people as good and some bad. What qualities, do you think, characterise a gentleman? Some of them may be merely external and some others internal

When we see a few coins scattered on the ground, we would probably pick them up on the sly or walk away ignoring them. What if it was an envelope full of ` 2000 bills? How are people likely to react in such a situation?
Discuss with a partner and share your views.
What was Baldwin’s advice to Gresham?
When would Baldwin part company with Gresham?
What was Mr. Marshall’s offer to Baldwin?
Mention two features of Ausable that were uncharacteristic of a detective.
How did Ausable describe the balcony and the manner in which one could get into his room, through it?
Was Ausable really waiting for the police? Give reasons.
How did Ausable outwit Max?
The unexpected presence of a criminal wielding a gun triggers different reactions in the two men who entered the room. In this light, discuss the appropriacy of the title.
Based on your understanding of the story, complete the Graphic Organiser (GO) suitably.

Given below are pictures of fictitious detective characters in English & Tamil short stories. Match them with the authors who created them.

What do children get ready for at the beginning of the story?
How is life in the planet Venus described?
What does Margot like the most - the sun or the rain?
How long did the Sun shine on Venus?
Now read the sentence below. Complete them appropriately with the word you identified from the grid.
The children are getting ready for the ______event.
Complete the summary of the play, choosing the appropriate words from the list given below the passage.
Lord Weston was a (1)______ judge in England. Being pompous and vain, he told his secretary Roger that he had attained glory by hard work and (2)______. He expressed his displeasure over Roger’s request for a half-holiday. Suddenly, he discovered a piece of paper with the words (3)______ in his pocket, and he feared that the message was a warning conveyed by his enemies who had received legal punishments from him. As the message was sent on the 15th of March, (the day Julius Caesar was assassinated), he was (4)______ that someone affected by his fair judgement was plotting his murder. Sensing the definite attack, Lord Weston ordered his secretary to (5)______ all the doors and windows. But his wife remained (6)______ by the threat. So, Lord Weston was angered by her (7)______ reaction. He ordered Roger to send the cook and the (8)______ away. Both Weston and Roger took elaborate precautionary measures to thwart the (9)______ attempt. Finally, Weston was able to recollect that he had written the message “Remember Caesar” himself as a (10)______. Caesar was actually a gardener who had an appointment to visit Weston’s garden. The play revolves around Weston’s absent-mindedness which is the crux of the play.
| callous | unperturbed |
| well-known | gardener |
| reminder | zealous service |
| Remember Caesar | assassination |
| shut | convinced |
“Remember Caesar” is a light hearted comedy. Discuss the statement in a group and identify various aspects such as title, plot, and characterisation that contribute to the humour in the play
