The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

Synopsis

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.

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Alec Leamas, a British spy, is worn out and ready to stop working. But his boss wants him to do one final job: to spread false information about an important man in East Germany. Can Alec end his career and finally come in from the cold?

Summary

Chapter 1

* Summary: Alec Leamas, a retired British intelligence officer, is recalled to London after a botched mission in East Germany. Devastated by the death of his agent, Control forces him to retire.
* Example: Leamas's despair and rage at Control's decision: " 'It's not fair!' he shouted. 'You can't do this to me!' "

Chapter 2

* Summary: Leamas seeks solace at the home of his former lover, Liz Gold, but finds her married to someone else. He drunkenly confronts Control, who reveals the real reason for his recall: a scheme to penetrate East German intelligence.
* Example: Control's ruthless manipulation of Leamas's emotions: " 'You're going to East Berlin,' Control said. 'And you're going to make contact with Mundt.' "

Chapter 3

* Summary: Leamas fakes his defection and becomes a double agent for the East Germans. He is assigned to work with Mundt, the head of their intelligence branch.
* Example: Leamas's calculated betrayal: "He accepted Mundt's offer, knowing full well what it meant... He was going to betray his country."

Chapter 4

* Summary: Leamas proves his loyalty to the East Germans by revealing the existence of a British mole within their ranks. However, he secretly plans to use this information to expose Mundt himself.
* Example: Leamas's double game: "He would use Mundt's treachery to destroy him, just as Mundt planned to use his treachery to destroy him."

Chapter 5

* Summary: Leamas's plan backfires when Mundt discovers his true intentions. He is arrested and tortured, but refuses to break.
* Example: Leamas's unwavering resolve amidst torture: "He had been broken, but he would not be broken again."

Chapter 6

* Summary: Control arrives in East Berlin to rescue Leamas, but is himself captured. Leamas is forced to make a difficult choice: save Control or expose Mundt.
* Example: Leamas's agonizing dilemma: "He saw Control's face in his mind. He saw his own face reflected in the window. He saw the face of a spy who had come in from the cold."

Chapter 7

* Summary: Leamas rescues Control, but in the process, Mundt is killed. Leamas is hailed as a hero in the West, but he knows the true cost of his victory.
* Example: Leamas's bitter realization: "He had come in from the cold, but he had not come in alone."

Epilogue

* Summary: Leamas retires to the countryside, haunted by the memories of his experiences. He receives a letter from Mundt's widow, who reveals the true extent of Mundt's treachery.
* Example: Leamas's ongoing struggle with the aftermath of his espionage: "He had come in from the cold, but the cold had come into him."