NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 7 - Evans Tries An O

1. What kind of person was Evans?

Ans: Evans was a bright and youthful prisoner. He had escaped from prison three times, earning him the moniker "Evans the Break." He'd never been involved in any kind of violence before. He was a star at the Christmas concert and had a charming attitude. He was a law-breaker and not a seasoned criminal, having been born a kleptomaniac. Like MikeYarwood, he was skilled at impersonation and had an analytical mind that foresaw the prison's loopholes. With his clever techniques, he baffled the prison staff. Even the most senior prison official had been attracted by his engaging nature. His presence in the prison created a lot of anxiety. With his upbeat demeanour, which contrasted sharply with his crafty character, he was able to make the fourth jailbreak.

2. What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?

Ans: Various preventative precautions were taken to ensure a smooth inspection. Razors and nail-scissors were among the sharp items removed. Officer Stephen, the Governor, and senior jail officer Jackson were assigned to duty. It was decided to hire a special invigilator. The prison cell where the test would take place was equipped with a microphone.

3. Will the exam now go as scheduled?

Ans: No, the exam will not begin at the planned time. It was supposed to begin at 9.15 a.m., but it began at 9.25 a.m. Everything was in place for the exam to begin on time, but the Governor, still concerned, ordered a last-minute alteration in the timetable. He also ordered the invigilator to be frisked before allowing him to carry out his appointed duties. As a result of this waste of time, the exam began at 9:25 a.m., ten minutes later than intended.

4. Did the Governor and his staff finally heave a sigh of relief?

Ans: Evans was a cunning man who only let the Governor and his staff breathe a sigh of relief. The inspection was intended to end peacefully, but when Stephens rechecked Evans' cell, he was astounded to find McLeery, badly bleeding and still there. He concluded that the man he had accompanied to the gate was Evans. With the help of the bleeding McLeery, who was eventually brought to a hospital for treatment, measures were taken to recapture Evans. But it wasn't long before it was revealed that this 'bleeding McLeery' was the actual Evans. Finally, when the Governor tracked down Evans and ordered him to be sent to the prison in an official van with a prison officer, another plot began. The prison guard and the van were part of Evans' backup plan, so he fled once more. Everyone was perplexed and worried by his faultless arrangements.

5. Will the injured McLeery be able to help the prison officers track Evans?

Ans: Yes, the injured McLeery will be able to assist the authorities in locating Evans. Mc Leery, using his German skills, reveals Evans' alleged plot via a pasted question paper. He recommends that he lead the officials to Evans' whereabouts. However, it is later revealed that this was all part of Evans' plot to flee to safety, as Evans was dressed as the injured McLeery.

6. Will the clues left behind on the question paper, put Evans back in prison again?

Ans: Yes indeed they will. Evans was able to get out of prison thanks to a well-thought-out, foolproof scheme. The astute fugitive left behind some hints, which the Governor described as a "careless" gesture. A question paper with directions to the alleged plan was superimposed. However, it was quickly discovered that everything was a hoax and part of a larger scheme to deceive officials. However, the Governor's limited German knowledge and the 'correction slip' assisted them in locating him.

7. Where did Evans go?

Ans: Evans traveled to the Golden Lion Hotel in Chipping Norton after successfully misleading the police. From there, he boarded the police van and drove to Newbury with his buddies.

8. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans’ having the last laugh?

Ans: Evans prepared and carried out his escape plan effectively. He was able to deceive everyone till the very end of the story. He planted false clues to mislead the authorities pursuing him. Evans was quietly cooking and executing another avenue of escape as the Governor breathed a sigh of relief after apprehending him in the Golden Lion hotel. The Governor's jail officer and the van he used to transport Evans back to the prison were fabricated, but he was pleased that he was eventually able to hunt him down thanks to his intellect and understanding of German. Evans, on the other hand, had prepared ahead. Evans had a well-deserved last laugh with his spectacular escape.

9. When Stephens comes back to the cell he jumps to a conclusion and the whole machinery blindly goes by his assumption without even checking the identity of the injured ‘McLeery’. Does this show how hasty conjectures can prevent one from seeing the obvious? How is the criminal able to predict such negligence?

Ans: Evans was a cunning and astute criminal. He had successfully identified the jail officers' shortcomings. Stephen was a newcomer to the prison system.

He was so taken aback when he saw the injured McCleery in the jail that he didn't even check who he was, and no one else did either. No one thought to ask how there might be two people there– one in the jail and the other being taken out by Stephens. It was for this reason that Evans' acquaintance, who was posing as the Governor on the phone, had instructed Stephens to escort the person out once the exam was completed. Evans was effectively led out of the prison by the Governor and his officers. To deceive the Governor, the question paper was left behind. This demonstrates that Evans the criminal had sufficient time to research the jail officials' behavioural patterns and carefully organize his technique.

10. What could the Governor have done to securely bring back Evans to the prison when he caught him at the Golden Lion? Does that final act of foolishness prove that “he was just another good-for-a giggle, gullible governor, that was all”?

Ans: The Governor took all possible efforts to ensure that Evans would not be able to flee the prison. After his daring prison break, he even tracked him out and apprehended him at the Golden Lion. But his arrogance once again shown that he was no match for Evans's dexterity and cunning. Following the clues from the question paper, the Governor followed Evans down to the Golden Lion. Evans was taken aback when he saw the Governor when he entered the room. Evans did not fight back and was apprehended. The gullible Governor congratulated himself on his victory and bid him farewell. Evans was restrained and forced to sit in the police vehicle. The Governor neglected to verify the driver's, van's, and officer's identities. A little extra caution could have prevented the perpetrator from fleeing. The culprit would not have escaped if the Governor had followed Evans to the prison cell with full police protection. This act of carelessness shown that he was "just another good-for-a-giggle naive governor."

11. While we condemn the crime, we are sympathetic to the criminal. Is this the reason why prison staff often develop a soft corner for those in custody?

Ans: The terms "crime" and "criminals" are frequently used interchangeably. When we observe criminal suffering or receiving his penalty, however, our perspective shifts. This is how the prison staff behaves. When they see a criminal suffer in prison, they unwittingly create a warm spot in their hearts for him. They see him as a human being rather than a criminal. Rather than only remembering their crime, they begin to notice and appreciate their mental powers. After learning that Evans thought his hat to be his lucky charm, Jackson lets him keep it. Evans was aware of Jackson's emotional side and targeted it straight with his discourse about "lucky charm," fooling the tough and realistic cop. When the Governor caught him in the hotel, he couldn't help but notice his brilliance. As a result, he was not harsh or harsh with Evans, and he, regretfully, treated him leniently.

12. Do you agree that crime and punishment are mainly a battle of wits?

Ans: Every conflict is won by the stronger side, whether that strength is physical or mental. However, after reading the story, we can deduce that when it comes to crime and punishment, it's mostly a game of wits. The team that outsmarts the other is the winner. A criminal is not always sentenced to prison. The police officers in the narrative, despite being well-trained, were easily tricked by the cunning Evans who managed to flee from right under their nose. Both the Governor and Evans attempted to outsmart one another. During the examination, the Governor took all necessary safeguards, including bugging the cell. He dispatched Stephen to escort McLerry, and they arrived at the hotel on time. Evans was likewise taken aback when he learned that the hotel's receptionist was an informant. There are various examples of crime and punishment engaging in a war of wits.

Introduction to the Author and the Theme of Vistas Chapter 7 - Evans Tries an O-Level

Born on 29 September 1930, Colin Dexter is a British crime writer. He is well-known for his work ‘Inspector Endeavour Morse’ The character of Inspector Endeavour Morse appears in several detective novels authored by Dexter. The novels of Colin Dexter that were written between 1975 and 1999 have found adaptations into television series from 1987 to 2000.

Dexter has a list of awards and accolades to his credit, including two Gold Draggers, two Silver Draggers and a Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 1997. His story ‘Evans Tries an O-level’ brought him the 1996 Macavity Award. The year 2000 witnessed his appointment as the prestigious ‘Officer of the Order of British Empire’ for his services to literature. Colin Dexter passed away on 21 March 2017.

The theme of Evans Tries An O-Level centres around a conflict between the criminal and the law-imposing body. It shows how a criminal outwits the legal authority and manages to flee for the fourth time. A detective fiction, ‘Evan Tries an O-Level’ is an account of the prison break of James Evans, a convict who has become a genius in planning and is an excellent manipulator. Thus, he has earned the name’ Evans the Break’.

The story deals with his smartness, foresightedness and his keen observation skills. Evan’s every plan is well thought-out and each step is calculated through meticulous planning. With these qualities, Evans outsmarts the authorities and makes a clever escape, while the Governor endeavours to catch him. With his ready wit and charm, at the end of the story, Evan proves that ‘things are not what they seem to be’. Colin Dexter cautions his readers that it is unwise to jump to conclusions hastily since it is Evans who has the last laugh.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas - Free PDF Download

Vedantu’s NCERT solutions are designed to assist in learning the inherent themes and ideas behind the story in a clearer and more comprehensive manner. The solutions act as a lucid guide to the chapter and its style. It helps in understanding the inherent messaging in the chapter while equipping you to answer the questions accurately.

In Chapter 12, Evan Tries an O-Level, the story revolves around a cunning and witty prisoner who has mastered the craft of prison break and yet manages to get caught behind the bars on account of repeat offences. He is made to take the O-levels as a part of his reform process and he is really looking forward to the day of his German examinations. However, make no mistakes, he has no scholarly aspirations. His enthusiasm revolves around his plan to flee the prison. What follows is a series of revelatory adventures and a rather cathartic end.

This story is replete with witty repartee and a play of words between Evans and the Governor. Evans outwits the governor and manages to have the last laugh. The entire story is narrated using vivid descriptions of the sequence of the events. So it is crucial that the readers familiarise themselves with both the overall narrative as well as the underlying satire that marks the story. Practising these is a good way to gain a better NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistasis also available here and can be accessed both offline and free of charge by students. Download the PDF Solution now for free.

Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Vistas

• Chapter 1 - The Third Level

• Chapter 2 - The Tiger King

• Chapter 3 - Journey to the end of the Earth

• Chapter 4 - The Enemy

• Chapter 5 - Should Wizard hit Mommy

• Chapter 6 - On the face of It

• Chapter 7 - Evans Tries an O-level

• Chapter 8 - Memories of Childhood

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