Chapter 7 - Evans Tries an O-Level

Evans Tries an O-Level is a drama, written by Colin Dexter. It narrates the story of a kleptomaniac Evans who was put behind bar three-times and how he escaped from the prison all the time. To know more about this chapter, you can refer to the chapter summary, and Evans Tries An O Level Extra Questions and Answers here at UrbanPro.

Summary

Evans was a neurotic thief who was imprisoned in the H.M. prison. He was quite famous in jail for breaking out of prison multiple times. This acquired him the name ‘Evans the Break’. He made several friends in jail and outside of it who had helped him to escape the prison on numerous occasions. One day he declared his desire to learn German and wanted to appear for the O Level Examinations, but everyone doubted this. Evans was not given a chance to interact with other people other than his professor. His classes in O-Level German began at night.

The prison authorities decided that Evans would give his examination in his prison cell. On the day of his examination, he was given enough time to get himself ready, but he did not make an effort to do so. He appeared unshaven and untidy and wore a filthy looking hat, which he refused to take off. The prison cell was arranged and set with tables, and he was thoroughly checked to guarantee that he was not carrying any sharp objects, scissors, nails or a razor into the cell.

The invigilator was the Reverend S. McLeery. He carried a brown suitcase and a rubber ring, which was semi-inflated. Reverend S. McLeery instructed Evans to enter Centre number 271 and Index number 313 on the sheet and to start writing for his examination. After he completed his exam, Mc Leery left the cell and was escorted out of prison by Mr Stephen, a prison officer. When Stephens was on his way to check on Evans, he saw him in the clothes of the invigilator lying on the floor bleeding. The first thing that came across his mind was that Evans assaulted Reverend McLeery and escaped the prison in disguise. This incident infuriated the Governor, and as he examined the question paper, he got a clue about Evans’ hiding place. He immediately left to catch Evans and did not bother to check on the person lying bleeding on the floor. He called for an ambulance and left to find him. However, the invigilator never made it to the hospital. Instead, the ambulance which was sent for his aid disappeared on its way to the hospital. To the officer’s surprise, they found the real invigilator bound and gagged, and it is here they realised that the one who was left behind in prison was Evans.

Evans felt victorious and happy over his successful escape from prison. When he reached the hotel he was astounded when he found the Governor sitting in his room and waiting for him. The governor then told Evans that his Centre and Index number gave away clues of his whereabouts. Evans had no choice but to confess the details of his scheme. After he admitted, he was put in handcuffs and was sent to the prison in a prison van.

Evans slowly turned towards the officer who was driving the van and asked him to drive to Newbury. Therefore, the Governor was fooled again by Evans and his associates.

List of Characters in Evans Tries an O Level, Class 12

1. The Secretary of the Examinations Board

2. The Governor of HM Prison, Oxford

3.  James Evans, a prisoner

4. Mr Jackson, a prison officer

5. Mr Stephens, a prison officer

6. The Reverend S. McLeery, an invigilator

7. Mr Carter, Detective Superintendent

8. Mr Bell, Detective Chief Inspector

For a better understanding of this chapter, refer to Evans Tries an O Level NCERT Solutions. You can also download Evans Tries An O Level Questions and Answers PDF, here at Urbanpro.