Lecture: 'With the Photographer' by Stephen Leacock

Introduction

• Ranana Ma'am presenting.
• Apologies for the delay due to sweltering heat.
• Brief anecdote about procrastination.
• Request for subscribing and liking her channel.

About the Author: Stephen Leacock

• Known for humorous stories.
• Makes himself the victim in stories to evoke humor.
• Other notable works include "My Financial Career" and a story about an astrologer predicting murder.

Summary of "With the Photographer"

Opening Remark

• The narrator visits a photograph studio to get his picture taken.

Description of the Photographer

• Photographer described as drooping, disinterested, with dim eyes.
• Narrator waits for an hour, reading old magazines.
• Feeling of intruding on the photographer’s privacy.

In the Studio

• Photographer instructs the narrator with little enthusiasm.
• Odd behaviors: crawling into the machine, frantic for light and air.
• Photographer is very critical of narrator's face.

Photographer’s Instructions

• Series of bizarre instructions: adjust head, open/close mouth, droop ears, etc.
• Criticizes every feature: face, head, ears, eyes.
• Narrator’s patience wears thin.

Photograph Taken

• Photographer finally takes the photo during the narrator's outburst.
• Claims to have captured the narrator’s animated features.

Viewing the Proof

• Narrator returns to see the proof, finds numerous changes to his face.
• Eyes, eyebrows, mouth all retouched or replaced.
• Only the ears remain similar but are also set to be altered.

Narrator's Reaction

• Narrator becomes emotional, insists he loves his face despite its flaws.
• Rejects the final photograph for not representing his true face.
• Leaves the studio in tears, feeling humiliated and upset.

Themes

• Originality vs. Artifice: Maintaining one's natural self versus artificial enhancements.
• Self-Acceptance: Emphasis on accepting and loving one's flaws.
• Superficiality: Critique of judging by appearances.
• Emotional Significance of Appearance: A person's face as part of their identity and how it is valued sentimentally by loved ones.

Conclusion

• The story ends with the narrator realizing that the photographer's alterations have made the photograph worthless to him.
• Emphasizes the importance of self-worth and originality.
• Final message: respect for one’s natural, god-given appearance.
• Encouraged ISC students to reflect on the story’s themes.
• Ranana Ma'am signs off with a reminder to ask questions and engage in the comment section.