Essay Questions

Why is being a communist not a decent idea in a politically thrilling time in Berlin?

William is shocked that Arthur wants to be a communist in Berlin a time when anybody declaring such interest puts his life in danger. Unknowingly to William, Arthur is a spy for the Frenchmen and he is in Berlin to collect as much information as possible. Communists are behind the burning of Reichstag and when Arthur realizes this, he escapes. William is apprehensive of the hasty leaving of Arthur but he remains silent. William later realizes that Arthur is a spy and everyone including communists and the Nazi regime are looking for him. On realizing this, William hastily runs away to England to avoid a possible arrest because he is linked to Arthur.

What is the figurative meaning of the Frenchwoman, Margot?

Adolf Hitler is rising to power in the 1930s and the French administration is not happy about this. To ensure that they have adequate information on what is happening, the Frenchmen strategically position spies to collect information from the Nazis. Arthur is one of these spies and he is financed by Margot who is a French woman. Margot represents the interests of the French people in Berlin and its administration.

Who is the protagonist of the story ‘Mr. Norris Changes Trains’?

William Bradshaw is the main character in this story and he plays a major role in uncovering the true character of Mr. Arthur Norris. He first meets Arthur on a train. However, at first, William is astonished because Arthur looks nervous. After having an encounter with Arthur, William discovers that he is a spy for the Frenchmen.