The Midnight Visitor Notes

Introduction of the Poem

Robert Arthur’s The Midnight Visitor is a detective story. This anecdote shows that a bit of common sense can get you out of a sticky situation. As the game progresses, we learn that Ausable is a covert agent on the hunt for a top-secret document. Meanwhile, his opponent Max had assaulted him. Max stated that the publications threatened Ausable and Fowler with violence. Author Fowler visits his buddy and fellow secret spy Ausable to learn more about the exciting life of the latter. Ausable, seeing the gravity of the situation, concocted a narrative involving cops and a phoney balcony in order to trick him into into the trap. Max fell for it and leapt from the phoney balcony. Given that Ausable resided on the top level of the hotel, Max sadly passed away.

Short Summary of the Poem

Though his clothes didn’t match his job description, Ausable was a covert spy. Fowler, a fellow writer and friend of his, came to visit him. They ended up staying up late chatting and drinking. Fowler was taken aback by Ausable’s presence, but he was promised that he would soon alter his mind. Ausable investigates in order to find the vital documents for national security. They checked into their room on the penthouse level of the French hotel. Max walked in at that very time, pointed a pistol at them, and demanded the documents they were holding. He said the documents were associated with missile reports. Despite the fact that this is par for the course for a covert spy, Fowler became a target of dread. When somebody repeatedly raps on the door, Ausable conjures up a narrative about the cops being called. Max, duped by the falsehood, vowed to open fire if the cops didn’t return. Ausable lied to Max about a balcony that didn’t exist and informed him about it. In an effort to get away, Max leaped from the balcony. There was a very audible yelling. As Max’s room was on the top level, he tragically passed away. Immediately upon the door was unlocked, a waiter walked in bearing the requested beverage. Fowler was mystified and intrigued by the whole affair. Max was duped as Ausable said there are no cops or balconies.

Man with gun

About the Poet

On November 10, 1909, in Cavite City, Philippines, on the island of Corregidor, Robert Jay Arthur Jr. was born. He wrote the young adult novel Three Investigators and was known as an exploration fiction writer for his radio series Mysterious Traveler. Both the Edgar Award for outstanding radio play and the Mystery Writer of America award were given to him. The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock’s TV Show, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents were all written by him. He passed away on May 2, 1969, at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Conclusion

Wit, smarts, and good sense all come together in this entertaining tale. Ausable’s wit was important in tricking Max. The fable teaches us not to panic or lose our composure under pressure and to instead rely on our wits and common sense to help us out of sticky situations.

Textbook Questions and Answers 

Q1. How is Ausable different from other secret agents?

Ans:- As far as I’m aware, Ausable has never been able to pass for a covert operative. He’s overweight, makes appointments using a regular telephone, and sleeps at a dingy, musty French hotel. He’s been in Paris for 20 years, but his American accent hardly shows when he talks German or French. He’s not as perceptive or as bright as author Fowler had hoped.

Q2. Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day?

Ans:- Fowler earns his living as a professional writer. His day begins with a genuine excitement as he successfully outwits Ausable and himself while being threatened with a pistol by a guy in order to gather material for his next book about a secret spy.

Q3. How did Max got in?

Ans:- Max uses a pass key to enter Ausable’s cabin in his absence to get a report on new missiles.

Q4. How does Ausable say he got in?

Ans:- Ausable says that Max enters the room via the window of the balcony and he would complain to the hotel authority for closing it.

The Midnight Visitor Extra Question Answer

1. What is the theme of “The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Jay Arthur Jr?

Ans: The theme of “The Midnight Visitor” by Robert Jay Arthur Jr is the danger of trusting strangers and the importance of being vigilant in one’s own safety.

2. How did MAX die?

Ans: Max believed the story of the balcony that did not even exist and jumped out from the sixth floor.  Ausable was confident because he knew the truth. Max died as a result of this. 

3. How did Fowler feel about Ausable?

Ans: Even though Fowler admired Ausable’s intelligence and he sensed a certain air of mystery and romance emanating from him, he believed him to be uninteresting and fat. As Fowler’s mental image of an agent differed from Ausable’s, he came to that conclusion.