| Book Name | : Blossom English Textbook For Class VIII Second Language |
| Subject | : English |
| Class | : 8th (Madhyamik/WB) |
| Publisher | : Prof. Nabanita Chatterjee |
| Chapter Name | : Midnight Express (11th chapter) |
About the Author
Alfred Noyes (1880-1958) was a celebrated English poet famous for his captivating ballads, including ‘The Highwayman’ and ‘The Barrel-Organ.’ His works are known for their evocative storytelling and vivid imagery. ‘Midnight Express’ is an edited adaptation of one of his renowned short stories, showcasing Noyes’ enduring literary legacy.
(50 words)
Introduction to the Story
In a dim, old house, young Mortimer discovers a tattered, red leather book titled the ‘Midnight Express.’ Its eerie illustration captivates him, depicting a solitary figure on a desolate railway platform. Years later, Mortimer encounters this figure in real life, plunging into a surreal and unsettling experience.
(50 words)
Summary of the Story
Mortimer, a young boy, stumbles upon a battered red leather book in his father’s library. In it, he finds a story titled the ‘Midnight Express’ with an unsettling illustration on page fifty. Years later, he encounters the very scene from the book at a dark train junction, with a solitary figure facing a tunnel. To his shock, the figure is himself, and he flees in fear. Back at home, he encounters his doppelgänger again, sending chills down his spine. The eerie encounter blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The room is dimly lit, and the old book remains open on the table. The story is a haunting exploration of the uncanny, where Mortimer is confronted by his own reflection in a surreal and unsettling manner.
(130words)
The character of the Story
Mortimer, the central character, is a curious boy who discovers an old, eerie book. As he grows into a young man, he encounters a mysterious figure that mirrors himself. The shadowy figure represents his own reflection, creating a surreal and unsettling experience in the story.
(45 words)
Theme of the Story
The theme of the story revolves around the eerie concept of confronting one’s own fears and inner demons. Mortimer’s encounter with his doppelganger from the mysterious book symbolizes a journey into the unknown depths of his psyche, evoking feelings of dread and self-discovery. It explores the haunting nature of self-reflection and the blurred line between reality and imagination.
(60 words)
