Question

Colin Dexter, the author of Evans Tries an O-level employs the red herring technique of intentionally misleading readers by placing false clues to keep the plot enigmatic. Substantiate with reference to the text, in about 120-150 words.

Answer 1

• The story of 'Evan tried the O-Level' revolves around Evan, a kleptomaniac who has escaped from prison one too many times and is now kept in a high-security prison.
• On the pretext of writing the german O-Level exam, he attempts to escape once again. He was a grubby looking man who had a knack for using his words for friendly banter to distract people. The facade distracts people from his Intelligence and his extraordinary skill for deception.
• He wears a bobble hat which seems silly but he uses it as a distraction.
• He uses the front of Reverend Stuart McLeery to escape the cell who in fact was his friend pretending to be the examiner.
• They were constantly watched by Stephens in equal intervals to make sure Evans doesn't escape again.
• He grows to be suspicious of MC Leery having grown thinner and slumped in a chair.
• Evans had used the clues left in the question paper to orchestrate a chase all over town. The superimposed photocopied sheet and correction ship was to finalise the details of Evan's plan of escape.
• The index number 313 and the centre number 271 on the answer sheet proved to be the clues. The clever Governer put the two together and managed to catch Evans in the hotel.