The Master Key (novel) facts for kids
The Master Key: An Electrical Fairy Tale is an exciting novel from 1901. It was written by L. Frank Baum, who is famous for creating The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The book features illustrations by F. Y. Cory.
Contents
Discovering the Master Key
The main character of the story is a boy named Rob Joslyn. Rob loves to experiment with electricity. His father supports his hobby and makes sure Rob always has batteries, motors, and other supplies. Soon, wires are running all over their house!
One day, Rob is trying to light up a small cardboard house. He connects wires randomly, hoping to find the right combination. Suddenly, there's a bright flash! A mysterious being appears. He calls himself the Daemon of Electricity.
The Daemon tells Rob that he accidentally "touched the Master Key of Electricity." This means Rob can ask for three special gifts each week for three weeks. Rob isn't sure what to ask for, so the Daemon decides to choose the gifts himself.
Rob's Adventures with Electric Gifts
Over the next two weeks, Rob uses the Daemon's amazing gifts. He goes on many adventures. But he starts to realize that maybe he, and the world, aren't quite ready for such powerful tools.
First Week's Gifts
During the first week, the Daemon gives Rob three useful items:
- A silver box filled with food tablets. Just one tablet provides enough food for a whole day!
- A small tube that can send an electric current. If Rob points it at an enemy, they will become unconscious for one hour.
- A special device worn like a wristwatch. This allows Rob to fly at any height and travel very fast. However, it's a bit fragile. It gets damaged during his adventures, making it unreliable.
Second Week's Gifts
In the second week, Rob receives three more gifts:
- A "garment of protection." This special clothing makes Rob safe from bullets, swords, and other physical attacks.
- A "record of events." This device lets Rob see important things happening anywhere in the world. He can even look back at events from the last 24 hours.
- A "character marker." These are special glasses. When Rob wears them, everyone he meets has a letter appear on their forehead. This letter shows their true character:
- 'G' for good
- 'E' for evil
- 'W' for wise
- 'F' for foolish
- 'K' for kind
- 'C' for cruel
Third Week's Gifts
For the third week, the Daemon offers two more incredible gifts:
- An "Electro-Magnetic Restorer." This device instantly cures any sickness or pain. It gives the wearer perfect health. It's so powerful it can even bring people back to life, as long as their blood hasn't gotten cold yet.
- An "Illimitable Communicator." This simple electric device lets Rob talk to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Rob's Big Decision
By the third week, Rob has made up his mind. He decides to refuse the Daemon's final gifts. He tells the Daemon to wait until people are truly ready to use such powerful inventions wisely. The Daemon then leaves. Rob feels happy and light-hearted, knowing he made the right choice.
Famous People in the Story
Like some of Baum's other books for adults, The Master Key includes encounters with real historical figures from that time. Rob meets people like King Edward of Britain, President Loubet of France, and the Duke of Orléans.
