The Falcon's Malteser - Session 2 - Reading Comprehension answers

In the second session of the reading comprehension for "The Falcon's Malteser," students explored various plot points and character motivations. The three letters received were from the protagonists' parents, a notorious criminal known as the Fat Man, and a mundane bill. Herbert, one of the Diamond Brothers, insists on meeting the Fat Man due to his reputation as England's most formidable criminal, fearing the consequences of defiance. The Fat Man, who arrives at 1.05pm, gives the brothers a strict deadline of 48 hours to deliver 'the key' to him.

The Fat Man's malevolence is further underscored by his act of feeding poisoned corn to pigeons, which he does out of disdain for the birds and as an ominous warning to the brothers. The session also covers the meaning of the idiom 'strike while the iron is hot', encouraging immediate action when opportunities arise. While the reason Johnny Naples paid the brothers to safeguard a box of Maltesers remains open to interpretation at this stage, students are encouraged to offer plausible theories based on the text. A concise summary of the session is also requested, demonstrating students' ability to distil information into a brief overview.