Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the author's reaction when he saw the retouched photograph?
What was the author's reaction when he saw the retouched photograph?
The photographer used a process called 'the delphide' to remove the author's eyebrows.
The photographer used a process called 'the delphide' to remove the author's eyebrows.
True
What was the author's main complaint about the photograph?
What was the author's main complaint about the photograph?
The author was upset that the photograph did not resemble him and that the photographer had altered his appearance too drastically.
Stephen Leacock was known for his ______, often based on the incongruity between appearance and reality.
Stephen Leacock was known for his ______, often based on the incongruity between appearance and reality.
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Match the following works by Stephen Leacock to their respective genres:
Match the following works by Stephen Leacock to their respective genres:
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What is the genre of the prose piece "With the Photographer" by Stephen Leacock?
What is the genre of the prose piece "With the Photographer" by Stephen Leacock?
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The photographer in the story was very enthusiastic and friendly.
The photographer in the story was very enthusiastic and friendly.
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What was the photographer constantly finding fault with in the story?
What was the photographer constantly finding fault with in the story?
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The author had lived with his face for ______________ years.
The author had lived with his face for ______________ years.
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Match the following phrases from the story with their meanings:
Match the following phrases from the story with their meanings:
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Study Notes
Overview of Stephen Leacock and His Work
- Stephen Leacock (1869-1944) was an English-born Canadian writer, humorist, and teacher, known for his subtle humor.
- He wrote many prose pieces that often reflect real-life situations with comic elements.
- Notable works include "Literary Lapses" and "Nonsense Novels," focusing on social foibles and the disparity between appearance and reality.
Summary of "With the Photographer"
- The story depicts Leacock’s disappointing experience at a photography studio, highlighting themes of humiliation and identity.
- Leacock visits a photographer, seeking a personal photo, and faces an unenthusiastic reception from the gray-suited photographer.
- After a long wait, Leacock poses for the photograph under natural light, but the photographer criticizes his appearance rigorously.
- The photographer suggests multiple adjustments to Leacock's facial features, implying they are inadequate.
- Feeling offended, Leacock asserts ownership of his face and challenges the photographer's negative comments.
- Unbeknownst to him, the photographer captures a candid moment as Leacock reacts to the criticism.
- Upon returning for the developed photograph, Leacock is shocked by the altered version of himself, which has been significantly retouched.
- The photographer joyfully explains how he used a process to extensively modify Leacock’s image, erasing features like eyebrows and adjusting facial structure.
- Frustrated with the alterations and the loss of his true self, Leacock vehemently rejects the photograph as worthless and leaves the studio in tears.
Themes in "With the Photographer"
- The narrative explores the humiliation and emotional distress arising from unwanted criticism and judgment about one's appearance.
- It addresses the issue of identity, as the protagonist struggles to reconcile his real self with the altered image presented by the photographer.
- The story reflects on the expectations and pressures faced regarding personal image, especially in professional environments.
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Description
Test your understanding of Stephen Leacock's humorous prose piece 'With The Photographer', where the author shares his bitter experience with a photographer.
