3.1 The Case Of The Fifth Word - Class 8 - Poorvi (New)

Author: Donald J. Sobol (Adapted)

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Detective / Mystery story

Summary

The Case of the Fifth Word features Encyclopedia Brown, a young but brilliant detective from Idaville, USA. Though only in eighth grade, he secretly helps his father, the Chief of Police, in solving difficult cases. In this story, Brown deciphers a mystery involving two men, Nolan and Davenport, suspected of being involved in a hold-up. Davenport vanishes, while Nolan dies after leaving behind a coded four-word message on his desk calendar: “Nom Utes Sweden Hurts.” At first, the adults—including Mrs. Brown, a teacher—try to explain the individual meanings of the words. However, Encyclopedia Brown realises the coded message refers to Nolan’s attempt to tell Davenport where the loot was hidden. The boy’s logical reasoning and attention to detail enable him to solve what adults could not. The story highlights observation, logic, and intelligence as keys to problem-solving.

Character Sketch

• Encyclopedia Brown

  • Real name: Leroy, nicknamed “Encyclopedia” because of vast knowledge.

  • Only child of Idaville’s Chief of Police.

  • Intelligent, observant, and logical in solving mysteries.

  • Humble and modest, never boasting about his help in cases.

  • Keen listener with sharp reasoning skills.

  • Determined to uncover truth, even when adults fail.

• Chief Brown

  • Father of Encyclopedia Brown and Chief of Police in Idaville.

  • Respected officer, admired for his professionalism.

  • Trusted his son’s insights though he did not reveal them publicly.

• Mrs. Brown

  • Encyclopedia’s mother and a school teacher.

  • Knowledgeable, analytical, and supportive.

  • Assisted in analysing the coded words, though not solving the mystery fully.

• Nolan

  • Involved in robberies, suspected of hiding loot with Davenport.

  • Died after a stroke but left behind a four-word coded message.

  • His will and actions hint at his criminal background.

• Daniel Davenport

  • Criminal and Nolan’s accomplice in hold-ups.

  • Mysteriously disappeared after the robbery.

  • Suspected of escaping with hidden loot.

Themes

Literary / Stylistic Devices

Title Justification

The title The Case of the Fifth Word is appropriate because the mystery revolves around a coded four-word message that implicitly hints at a missing or hidden “fifth” clue. Encyclopedia Brown’s role is to interpret the hidden meaning behind the message to solve the case. The “fifth word” symbolises the deeper truth not visible on the surface, making the title both intriguing and suitable for the detective genre.

One-Mark Questions

1. Who is Encyclopedia Brown and where does he live? Answer: Encyclopedia Brown is a young detective from Idaville, USA, known for solving mysteries with sharp reasoning.

2. Why was Nolan suspected in the story? Answer: Nolan was suspected because he was involved in hold-ups with Davenport and left behind a coded message before dying.

3. What was the coded message Nolan wrote? Answer: The coded message Nolan wrote was “Nom Utes Sweden Hurts,” scribbled on his desk calendar.

4. Who were Nolan’s and Davenport’s criminal connections? Answer: Nolan and Davenport were suspected partners in robberies, planning to hide loot until the situation cooled down.

5. How did Encyclopedia Brown solve the case? Answer: Encyclopedia Brown solved the case by logically interpreting the coded words as a clue to where the loot was hidden.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the story introduce Encyclopedia Brown’s character? Answer: The story introduces Encyclopedia Brown as an eighth grader with extraordinary intelligence. Despite his age, he assists his father, the Chief of Police, in solving tough cases. He is described as humble, knowledgeable, and observant, never boasting about his role in solving crimes.

2. Why was Davenport’s disappearance suspicious? Answer: Davenport’s disappearance was suspicious because it occurred right after the hold-up. His sudden vanishing raised doubts about his involvement in hiding or escaping with the stolen goods. His connection with Nolan further added to police suspicions.

3. How did Mrs. Brown interpret the coded message? Answer: Mrs. Brown initially interpreted the coded message literally, analysing “Nom” as nominative, “Utes” as a tribe, “Sweden” as a country, and “Hurts” as pain. While knowledgeable, she could not uncover the deeper, hidden meaning of the four words.

4. What qualities helped Encyclopedia Brown solve the case? Answer: Encyclopedia Brown’s qualities of observation, sharp logic, and calm reasoning helped him decode the clue. Unlike adults, he connected the words with the context of the robbery. His keen listening and critical thinking revealed the real meaning.

5. What does the story suggest about children’s intelligence? Answer: The story suggests that children can be equally or more intelligent than adults in certain situations. Encyclopedia Brown’s success highlights fresh perspectives and logical thinking, proving that age is no barrier to intelligence and problem-solving.

Value-Based Question

Q. What moral lesson does the story The Case of the Fifth Word teach readers?Answer: The story teaches that intelligence, humility, and logical reasoning are powerful tools to solve problems. It shows that one must observe carefully, think critically, and not underestimate young minds. The narrative inspires readers to value knowledge, honesty, and responsibility in contributing to justice and truth.

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