English-SR 3 With the Photographer (Notebook work)

 

The Photographer" by Stephen Leacock

 

1. Answer the following questions in 30–40 words each.

a) How has the narrator described the photographer?
The narrator describes the photographer as serious, cold, and indifferent. He seems more interested in the technicalities of photography than in the person being photographed. His tone is clinical, making the narrator feel uncomfortable.

b) What did the photographer say about the narrator’s face and features?
The photographer criticized the narrator’s face, pointing out its flaws. He said the face had no tone, poor lighting on one side, and an unfortunate nose. He suggested changes to improve the final image.

c) How did the narrator respond to the photographer’s comments about his face?
The narrator felt insulted and humiliated by the photographer’s rude remarks. He became frustrated and argued that he had lived with his face for over forty years and had never found it as flawed as described.

d) Why did the photographer call the narrator the following Saturday?
The photographer called the narrator to inform him that the proof of the photograph was ready. He invited him to view it, but the narrator was disappointed to see a heavily retouched version that didn't resemble him.

2. Answer the following questions in 80–100 words each.

a) How did the photographer and the narrator react when they looked at the proof of the photograph? Why?
When the narrator saw the proof, he was shocked and disappointed. The photograph looked nothing like him due to excessive retouching. His face had been altered so much that he couldn’t recognize himself. Meanwhile, the photographer was proud of his work, claiming that he had corrected all the “defects.” The narrator felt that the photo had no soul and lacked his true identity. This moment highlighted the gap between reality and artificial perfection, and the narrator’s frustration with being misrepresented.

b) Why does the narrator call the photograph ‘a worthless bauble’?
The narrator calls the photograph ‘a worthless bauble’ because it did not represent his true self. The excessive editing had turned it into a shallow, artificial image with no emotional or personal value. It was just a polished object, lacking authenticity and depth. He believed that a photograph should capture a person's soul and personality, not just a flawless exterior. Since the image failed to reflect who he really was, it held no meaning for him and was thus considered worthless.

3. Answer the following question in 100–120 words.

a) In the age of social media, importance is given to looks. Analyse the reaction of the narrator when presented with the modified photograph. How would you react if you were in the same situation?
The narrator was deeply upset when he saw the modified photograph. It did not resemble him at all and lacked personality. He felt that his identity had been erased in the process of making him look “perfect.” This reaction highlights how over-editing for the sake of appearances can strip away individuality. In today’s age of social media, people often rely on filters and edits to meet unrealistic beauty standards. If I were in the same situation, I would feel disappointed. While a good appearance is appreciated, I believe a photo should reflect who I am rather than an artificial version made to impress others.