WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER, Part Two: GLOSSARY, SUMMARY & QUESTION-ANSWERS

 

WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER, Stephen Leacock GLOSSARY, SUMMARY & QUESTION-ANSWERS

Part Two

Page 142. “Stop,” I said with emotion ……………Page 144. I broke into tears and left.

“Stop,” I said with emotion but, I think, with dignity. “This face is my face. It is not yours, it is mine. I’ve lived with it for forty years and I know its faults. I know it’s out of drawing. I know it wasn’t made for me, but it’s my face, the only one I have –” I was conscious of a break in my voice but I went on – “such as it is, I’ve learned to love it. And this is my mouth, not yours. These ears are mine, and if your machine is too narrow –” Here I started to rise from the seat.

Snick! The photographer had pulled a string. The photograph taken. I could see the machine still staggering from the shock “I think,” said the photographer, pursing his lips in a pleased smile, “that I caught the features just in a moment of animation.” “So!” I said bitingly, – “features, eh? You didn’t think I could animate them, I suppose? But let me see the picture.”

“Oh, there’s nothing to see yet,” he said, “I have to develop the negative first. Come back on Saturday and I’ll let you see a proof of it.”

On Saturday I went back.

The photographer beckoned me in. I thought he seemed quieter and graver than before. I think, too, there was a certain pride in his manner.

He unfolded the proof of a large photograph, and we both looked at it in silence.

“Is it me?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said quietly, “it is you,” and we went on looking at it.

“The eyes,” I said hesitatingly, “don’t look very much like mine.”

“Oh, no,” he answered, “I’ve retouched them. They come out splendidly, don’t they?”

“Fine,” I said, “but surely my eyebrows are not like that?”

“No,” said the photographer, with a momentary glance at my face, “the eyebrows are removed. We have a process now — the Delphide — for putting in new ones. You’ll notice here where we’ve applied it to carry the hair away from the brow. I don’t like the hair low on the skull.”

“Oh, you don’t, don’t you?” I said.

“No,” he went on, “I don’t care for it. I like to get the hair clear back to the superficies and make out a new brow line.”

“What about the mouth?” I said with a bitterness that was lost on the photographer; “is that mine?”

“It’s adjusted a little,” he said, “yours is too low. I found I couldn’t use it.”

“The ears, though,” I said, “strike me as a good likeness; they’re just like mine. Is it me?”

“Yes,” said the photographer thoughtfully, “that’s so; but I can fix that all right in the print. We have a process now — the Sulphide — for removing the ears entirely. I’ll see if —”

“Listen!” I interrupted, drawing myself up and animating my features to their full extent and speaking with a withering scorn that should have blasted the man on the spot. “Listen! I came here for a photograph — a picture — something which (mad though it seems) would have looked like me. I wanted something that would depict my face as Heaven gave it to me, humble though the gift may have been. I wanted something that my friends might keep after my death, to reconcile them to my loss. It seems that I was mistaken. What I wanted is no longer done. Go on, then, with your brutal work. Take your negative, or whatever it is you call it, — dip it in sulphide, bromide, oxide, cowhide, — anything you like, — remove the eyes, correct the mouth, adjust the face, restore the lips, reanimate the necktie and reconstruct the waistcoat. Coat it with an inch of gloss, shade it, emboss it, gild it, till even you acknowledge that it is finished. Then when you have done all that — keep it for yourself and your friends. They may value it. To me it is but a worthless bauble.”

I broke into tears and left.

Glossary

emotion — strong feeling — भावना, आवेग
with emotion — with strong feeling — भावावेश में
dignity — calm self-respect — गरिमा
with dignity — with self-respect and calm — गरिमा के साथ
faults — defects — दोष
lived with it — accepted and endured it — उसे अपनाकर जीया
learned to love — gradually accepted — धीरे-धीरे प्रेम करना सीख लिया
out of drawing — badly shaped; badly proportioned — सही बनावट में न होना
conscious — aware — सचेत
break in my voice — voice becoming choked — आवाज़ का भर्रा जाना
animate — give life or expression — सजीव बनाना
features — parts of the face — चेहरे के नाक-नक्श
rise from the seat — stand up — सीट से उठना
pulled a string — triggered the camera — डोरी खींचकर कैमरा चलाना
bitingly — with sharp sarcasm — तीखे, कटाक्षपूर्ण ढंग से
caught the features — captured facial expression — चेहरे की भंगिमा पकड़ ली
moment of animation — instant of expression — अभिव्यक्ति का क्षण
develop the negative — process film to make image visible — नेगेटिव विकसित करना
proof — trial print of a photograph — नमूना छायाचित्र
went back — returned — वापस गया
beckoned — signalled by gesture — इशारे से बुलाया
graver — more serious — अधिक गंभीर
unfolded — opened — खोला
looked at it in silence — observed without speaking — चुपचाप देखा
hesitatingly — with doubt — हिचकिचाते हुए
retouched — corrected or altered — सुधार किया हुआ
splendidly — excellently — शानदार ढंग से
come out splendidly — appear very well — बहुत अच्छे दिखाई देना
momentary — lasting a very short time — क्षणिक
process — method or technique — प्रक्रिया
Delphide — chemical process (imaginary) — डेल्फ़ाइड (काल्पनिक प्रक्रिया)
eyebrows are removed — eyebrows taken off — भौंहें हटा दी गईं
carry the hair away — remove hair — बाल हटाना
brow — forehead — भौंह / ललाट
skull — head bone — खोपड़ी
superficies — surface — सतह
clear back — pushed far back — पूरी तरह पीछे किया हुआ
bitterness — deep resentment — कड़वाहट
lost on the photographer — not understood by him — फोटोग्राफर पर असर न होना
adjusted — slightly altered — थोड़ा बदला हुआ
likeness — resemblance — समानता
strike me as — seem to me — मुझे प्रतीत होना
thoughtfully — after thinking — विचारपूर्वक
fix that in the print — correct in final photo — अंतिम फोटो में सुधार करना
Sulphide — chemical substance/process — सल्फ़ाइड
interrupted — stopped while speaking — बीच में रोका
drawing myself up — standing erect proudly — गर्व से तनकर खड़ा होना
to their full extent — to the maximum — पूरी सीमा तक
withering scorn — crushing contempt — विनाशकारी तिरस्कार
blasted the man — utterly crushed him — उसे पूरी तरह ध्वस्त कर देना
depict — represent; show — चित्रित करना
mad though it seems — however foolish it may appear — चाहे यह पागलपन लगे
as Heaven gave it to me — as God made it — जैसा ईश्वर ने दिया
humble though the gift — modest though the gift was — भले ही उपहार साधारण था
reconcile them to my loss — help them accept my death — मेरी मृत्यु को स्वीकार कराने में सहायक
mistaken — wrong — भ्रमित
go on with your brutal work — continue your harsh actions — अपनी निर्दयी हरकतें जारी रखो
brutal — harsh; cruel — निर्दयी
negative — photographic film image — नेगेटिव
whatever it is you call it — whatever name you give it — तुम चाहे जो नाम दो
bromide — chemical compound — ब्रोमाइड
oxide — compound with oxygen — ऑक्साइड
cowhide — leather from cow skin — गाय की खाल
anything you like — as you wish — जो चाहो वह
restore — bring back — पुनः स्थापित करना
reanimate — give life again — फिर से सजीव बनाना
reconstruct — rebuild — पुनर्निर्माण करना
waistcoat — sleeveless jacket — वास्कट
gloss — shine — चमक
emboss — raise design — उभारना
gild — cover with gold — सोने की परत चढ़ाना
acknowledge — accept — स्वीकार करना
keep it for yourself — retain it — उसे अपने पास रखो
worthless — without value — मूल्यहीन
bauble — showy but useless object — दिखावटी, तुच्छ वस्तु
broke into tears — suddenly started crying — अचानक रो पड़ा

Paraphrase in English
The narrator asks the photographer to stop, speaking emotionally but with self-respect. He asserts that the face being altered is his own, a face he has lived with for forty years and whose faults he knows well. Though imperfect and awkwardly shaped, it belongs to him alone, and he has learned to accept and even love it. He insists that his mouth and ears are his own too and begins to rise in protest. At that very moment, the photographer takes the picture. The photographer smugly claims he has captured the narrator’s features at a lively moment. The narrator sarcastically responds and asks to see the photograph, but the photographer explains that the negative must first be developed and asks him to return later. When the narrator returns on Saturday, the photographer appears serious and proud. They examine the photograph silently. The narrator questions whether the image is really him, especially the eyes and eyebrows. The photographer calmly explains that he has retouched the eyes and entirely removed and replaced the eyebrows using a new process, as he dislikes hair low on the forehead. The narrator grows increasingly bitter as he learns that his mouth has been altered and his ears are to be removed using yet another chemical process. Finally, the narrator angrily interrupts, declaring that he wanted a simple photograph that truly resembled him as God made him, so that his friends might remember him after his death. He condemns the photographer’s cruel artificial methods and sarcastically invites him to alter the picture endlessly until it becomes a glossy, decorative object. Such a photograph, he says, is worthless to him. Overcome with emotion, he bursts into tears and leaves.

Paraphrase in Hindi
वक्ता भावुक होते हुए, लेकिन गरिमा के साथ, फोटोग्राफर से रुकने को कहता है। वह दृढ़ता से कहता है कि जिस चेहरे को बदला जा रहा है, वह उसी का है—एक ऐसा चेहरा जिसके साथ उसने चालीस वर्ष बिताए हैं और जिसकी कमियों से वह भली-भांति परिचित है। भले ही वह चेहरा असुंदर और असंतुलित हो, वह उसी का है और उसने उसे स्वीकार करना सीख लिया है। वह ज़ोर देकर कहता है कि उसका मुँह और उसके कान भी उसी के हैं और विरोध में उठने ही वाला होता है कि तभी फोटोग्राफर तस्वीर खींच लेता है। फोटोग्राफर संतोषपूर्वक कहता है कि उसने चेहरे के भावों को जीवंत क्षण में पकड़ लिया है। वक्ता व्यंग्यपूर्वक उत्तर देता है और तस्वीर देखने की माँग करता है, पर फोटोग्राफर बताता है कि पहले नेगेटिव विकसित करना होगा और उसे बाद में आने को कहता है। शनिवार को लौटने पर वक्ता देखता है कि फोटोग्राफर गंभीर और गर्वित है। दोनों चुपचाप तस्वीर देखते हैं। वक्ता संदेह करता है कि क्या वह सच में वही है, क्योंकि आँखें और भौंहें उसकी जैसी नहीं लगतीं। फोटोग्राफर बताता है कि आँखें सुधार दी गई हैं और भौंहें हटा कर नई तकनीक से बदल दी गई हैं, क्योंकि उसे माथे पर नीचे तक बाल पसंद नहीं। वक्ता का आक्रोश बढ़ता जाता है जब उसे पता चलता है कि मुँह बदला गया है और कानों को भी हटाने की योजना है। अंत में वह क्रोधपूर्वक फोटोग्राफर को रोकता है और कहता है कि वह एक साधारण तस्वीर चाहता था जो उसे वैसा ही दिखाए जैसा ईश्वर ने बनाया, ताकि उसकी मृत्यु के बाद उसके मित्र उसे याद कर सकें। वह फोटोग्राफर की निर्दयी और बनावटी प्रक्रिया की निंदा करता है और व्यंग्य में कहता है कि तस्वीर को जितना चाहे सजाए, चमकाए और बदले। ऐसी तस्वीर उसके लिए पूरी तरह मूल्यहीन है। यह कहकर वह फूट-फूटकर रो पड़ता है और वहाँ से चला जाता है।

1.    Why does the narrator say “Stop” at the beginning of the passage?
A. He is frightened
B. He is angry about payment
C. He is emotional and protesting
D. He wants to change pose
Ans. C

2.    With what feeling does the narrator speak when he says “Stop”?
A. Fear
B. Emotion and dignity
C. Excitement
D. Amusement
Ans. B

3.    How long has the narrator lived with his face?
A. Twenty years
B. Thirty years
C. Forty years
D. Fifty years
Ans. C

4.    What does the narrator say he knows well about his face?
A. Its beauty
B. Its faults
C. Its fame
D. Its mystery
Ans. B

5.    What does “out of drawing” suggest about the narrator’s face?
A. Perfectly shaped
B. Artistically drawn
C. Badly proportioned
D. Newly changed
Ans. C

6.    What happens when the narrator begins to rise from the seat?
A. The photographer stops him
B. The camera breaks
C. The photograph is taken
D. The narrator faints
Ans. C

7.    How does the photographer trigger the camera?
A. By pressing a button
B. By clapping
C. By pulling a string
D. By turning a wheel
Ans. C

8.    How does the photographer feel after taking the photograph?
A. Angry
B. Ashamed
C. Pleased
D. Confused
Ans. C

9.    What does the photographer claim he has captured?
A. A perfect pose
B. A moment of animation
C. A sad expression
D. A stiff posture
Ans. B

10. How does the narrator respond to the photographer’s claim?
A. Happily
B. Silently
C. Bitterly
D. Politely
Ans. C

11. Why can’t the narrator see the photograph immediately?
A. It is lost
B. It is damaged
C. The negative must be developed
D. The photographer refuses
Ans. C

12. When is the narrator asked to return?
A. Friday
B. Saturday
C. Sunday
D. Monday
Ans. B

13. How does the photographer appear on Saturday?
A. Noisy and cheerful
B. Nervous and weak
C. Quieter and graver
D. Careless and rude
Ans. C

14. What quality does the narrator notice in the photographer’s manner?
A. Fear
B. Pride
C. Shame
D. Sadness
Ans. B

15. What do both men do when the photograph is shown?
A. Laugh
B. Argue
C. Look at it silently
D. Turn away
Ans. C

16. What is the narrator’s first question on seeing the photograph?
A. Is it clear?
B. Is it finished?
C. Is it me?
D. Is it for sale?
Ans. C

17. Which part of the face does the narrator first doubt?
A. Nose
B. Mouth
C. Eyes
D. Chin
Ans. C

18. What has the photographer done to the eyes?
A. Removed them
B. Retouched them
C. Covered them
D. Enlarged them
Ans. B

19. How does the photographer describe the retouched eyes?
A. Ordinary
B. Poor
C. Splendid
D. Useless
Ans. C

20. What has happened to the eyebrows?
A. Left unchanged
B. Darkened
C. Removed
D. Hidden
Ans. C

21. Which process is used to alter the eyebrows?
A. Sulphide
B. Bromide
C. Delphide
D. Oxide
Ans. C

22. What does the photographer dislike?
A. Thick hair
B. Long hair
C. Hair low on the skull
D. Curly hair
Ans. C

23. What does the narrator’s reply “Oh, you don’t, don’t you?” show?
A. Agreement
B. Admiration
C. Irony
D. Gratitude
Ans. C

24. What does the photographer say about the mouth?
A. It is perfect
B. It is too high
C. It is too low
D. It is untouched
Ans. C

25. How does the narrator feel when discussing the mouth?
A. Joyful
B. Bitter
C. Proud
D. Relaxed
Ans. B

26. Which feature does the narrator think is a good likeness?
A. Eyes
B. Mouth
C. Nose
D. Ears
Ans. D

27. What does the photographer plan to do with the ears?
A. Enlarge them
B. Shade them
C. Remove them
D. Darken them
Ans. C

28. Which process is mentioned for removing the ears?
A. Delphide
B. Sulphide
C. Bromide
D. Oxide
Ans. B

29. Why does the narrator interrupt the photographer?
A. He is bored
B. He is late
C. He is furious
D. He is confused
Ans. C

30. How does the narrator speak during his outburst?
A. Softly and kindly
B. With hesitation
C. With withering scorn
D. With humour
Ans. C

31. What did the narrator originally want?
A. A painted portrait
B. A modern image
C. A photograph that looked like him
D. A fashionable picture
Ans. C

32. How does the narrator describe the gift of his face from Heaven?
A. Magnificent
B. Perfect
C. Humble
D. Unfair
Ans. C

33. For whom did the narrator want the photograph after his death?
A. The photographer
B. His family and friends
C. Strangers
D. The public
Ans. B

34. What was the purpose of keeping the photograph?
A. Decoration
B. Advertisement
C. Remembrance
D. Sale
Ans. C

35. Why does the narrator say he was mistaken?
A. He chose the wrong shop
B. He trusted the photographer
C. Such photographs are no longer made
D. He disliked photography
Ans. C

36. How does the narrator describe the photographer’s work?
A. Artistic
B. Creative
C. Brutal
D. Careful
Ans. C

37. Which of these is NOT mentioned among the chemicals?
A. Sulphide
B. Bromide
C. Oxide
D. Chloride
Ans. D

38. What does the narrator sarcastically invite the photographer to do?
A. Destroy the camera
B. Alter the picture endlessly
C. Take another photo
D. Refund money
Ans. B

39. What does “reanimate the necktie” suggest?
A. Adding realism artificially
B. Cleaning the tie
C. Removing the tie
D. Colouring the tie
Ans. A

40. What does “reconstruct the waistcoat” imply?
A. Sewing clothes
B. Completely remaking the image
C. Removing clothing
D. Changing fashion
Ans. B

41. What does the narrator call the finished photograph?
A. A masterpiece
B. A treasure
C. A worthless bauble
D. A rare object
Ans. C

42. To whom does the narrator suggest keeping the photograph?
A. Himself
B. His friends
C. The photographer and his friends
D. Nobody
Ans. C

43. What is the narrator’s final emotional state?
A. Calm
B. Angry
C. Tearful
D. Proud
Ans. C

44. What does the narrator do at the end?
A. Shouts
B. Laughs
C. Leaves in tears
D. Takes the photo
Ans. C

45. The passage mainly criticizes what aspect of photography?
A. Cost
B. Technology
C. Artificial alteration
D. Popularity
Ans. C

46. What tone dominates the narrator’s speech?
A. Romantic
B. Humorous
C. Satirical
D. Neutral
Ans. C

47. The photographer represents which attitude?
A. Respect for individuality
B. Indifference to identity
C. Emotional sensitivity
D. Moral concern
Ans. B

48. The narrator values his face because it is
A. Handsome
B. Famous
C. His own
D. New
Ans. C

49. The conflict in the passage is between
A. Art and money
B. Nature and artificiality
C. Youth and age
D. Silence and speech
Ans. B

50. The ending of the passage emphasizes
A. Triumph
B. Satisfaction
C. Emotional defeat
D. Humour
Ans. C

One-Mark Questions

1.    How does the narrator describe his manner when he says “Stop”?
Ans. He says it with emotion and dignity.

2.    Whose face does the narrator insist the photographer is altering?
Ans. His own face.

3.    For how many years has the narrator lived with his face?
Ans. Forty years.

4.    What does the narrator claim he knows well about his face?
Ans. Its faults.

5.    What physical reaction shows the narrator’s emotion while speaking?
Ans. There is a break in his voice.

6.    What action of the narrator shows his protest before the photograph is taken?
Ans. He begins to rise from the seat.

7.    What sound marks the moment the photograph is taken?
Ans. “Snick!”

8.    What expression does the photographer wear after taking the photo?
Ans. A pleased smile.

9.    According to the photographer, in what state were the features captured?
Ans. In a moment of animation.

10. What does the narrator ask for immediately after the photograph is taken?
Ans. To see the picture.

11. What must be done before the picture can be seen?
Ans. The negative must be developed.

12. On which day does the narrator return to see the photograph?
Ans. Saturday.

13. How does the photographer’s behaviour differ on Saturday?
Ans. He appears quieter and graver.

14. What feeling does the narrator sense in the photographer’s manner?
Ans. Pride.

15. How do both men initially react on seeing the photograph?
Ans. They look at it in silence.

16. What is the narrator’s first doubt about the photograph?
Ans. Whether it is really him.

17. Which feature does the narrator say does not look like his own?
Ans. The eyes.

18. What reason does the photographer give for the changed eyes?
Ans. They have been retouched.

19. What has been done to the narrator’s eyebrows?
Ans. They have been removed.

20. What name is given to the process used on the eyebrows?
Ans. The Delphide process.

21. Which part of the head does the photographer dislike hair being low on?
Ans. The skull.

22. What complaint does the narrator make about his mouth?
Ans. He asks whether it is really his.

23. What does the photographer say about the narrator’s mouth?
Ans. It is too low and adjusted.

24. Which feature does the narrator think closely resembles his own?
Ans. The ears.

25. What does the photographer propose to do with the ears?
Ans. Remove them using a process.

26. What chemical process is mentioned for removing the ears?
Ans. Sulphide.

27. What does the narrator say he originally came to the studio for?
Ans. A photograph that looked like him.

28. According to the narrator, who gave him his face?
Ans. Heaven.

29. What object does the narrator call the final photograph?
Ans. A worthless bauble.

30. What is the narrator’s final action in the passage?
Ans. He breaks into tears and leaves.

Who said To Whom?

1.    “Stop,” I said with emotion but with dignity.
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

2.    “This face is my face. It is not yours, it is mine.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

3.    “I’ve lived with it for forty years and I know its faults.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

4.    “Such as it is, I’ve learned to love it.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

5.    “This is my mouth, not yours.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

6.    “These ears are mine.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

7.    “If your machine is too narrow —”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

8.    “Snick!”
Ans. This sound was heard when the photographer took the photograph.

9.    “I think that I caught the features just in a moment of animation.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

10. “So!” I said bitingly.
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

11. “But let me see the picture.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

12. “There’s nothing to see yet.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

13. “I have to develop the negative first.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

14. “Come back on Saturday and I’ll let you see a proof of it.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

15. “Is it me?”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

16. “Yes,” he said quietly, “it is you.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

17. “The eyes don’t look very much like mine.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

18. “Oh, no,” he answered, “I’ve retouched them.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

19. “They come out splendidly, don’t they?”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

20. “Fine,” I said.
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

21. “But surely my eyebrows are not like that?”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

22. “No,” said the photographer, “the eyebrows are removed.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

23. “We have a process now — the Delphide — for putting in new ones.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

24. “I don’t like the hair low on the skull.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

25. “Oh, you don’t, don’t you?”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

26. “What about the mouth?”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

27. “It’s adjusted a little; yours is too low.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

28. “The ears, though, strike me as a good likeness.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

29. “Yes,” said the photographer thoughtfully, “that’s so; but I can fix that in the print.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

30. “We have a process now — the Sulphide — for removing the ears entirely.”
Ans. The photographer said this to the narrator.

31. “Listen!”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

32. “I came here for a photograph — a picture.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

33. “Something which would have looked like me.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

34. “I wanted something that would depict my face as Heaven gave it to me.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

35. “I wanted something that my friends might keep after my death.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

36. “What I wanted is no longer done.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

37. “Go on, then, with your brutal work.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

38. “Keep it for yourself and your friends.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

39. “To me it is but a worthless bauble.”
Ans. The narrator said this to the photographer.

40. “I broke into tears and left.”
Ans. The narrator says this to the reader.

Reference To context

Extract 1
“Stop,” I said with emotion but, I think, with dignity. “This face is my face. It is not yours, it is mine.”
a) Who is the speaker?
Ans. The speaker is the narrator.
b) To whom are these words spoken?
Ans. These words are spoken to the photographer.
c) Why does the speaker say “Stop”?
Ans. He objects to the photographer altering his face.
d) What emotion is revealed here?
Ans. A mix of emotional hurt and self-respect.
e) What does “this face is my face” emphasize?
Ans. His sense of personal identity and ownership.
f) What tone is used in this speech?
Ans. Protest mixed with dignity.
g) What theme of the lesson is highlighted?
Ans. Conflict between individuality and artificial alteration.

Extract 2
“Snick! The photographer had pulled a string. The photograph taken.”
a) What does “Snick!” signify?
Ans. The sound of the camera shutter.
b) Who performs the action here?
Ans. The photographer.
c) At what moment is the photograph taken?
Ans. When the narrator is protesting emotionally.
d) Why is this moment ironic?
Ans. The narrator wanted control, but the photo is taken suddenly.
e) What does this show about the photographer’s attitude?
Ans. He is indifferent and mechanical.
f) How does this affect the narrator?
Ans. It increases his irritation and sense of helplessness.
g) What literary effect is created here?
Ans. Suddenness and comic irony.

Extract 3
“I think,” said the photographer, “that I caught the features just in a moment of animation.”
a) Who speaks these words?
Ans. The photographer.
b) To whom are they spoken?
Ans. To the narrator.
c) What does “moment of animation” mean?
Ans. A lively facial expression.
d) Why does the photographer feel pleased?
Ans. He believes the photograph is successful.
e) How does the narrator react to this claim?
Ans. He reacts bitterly and sarcastically.
f) What trait of the photographer is revealed?
Ans. Professional pride and insensitivity.
g) What element of humour is present?
Ans. The contrast between pride and the narrator’s misery.

Extract 4
“The eyes,” I said hesitatingly, “don’t look very much like mine.”
a) Who says this?
Ans. The narrator.
b) What prompts this remark?
Ans. Seeing the altered photograph.
c) Why does he speak hesitatingly?
Ans. He is unsure and disturbed.
d) What has happened to the eyes?
Ans. They have been retouched.
e) What does this reveal about the photograph?
Ans. It has been artificially modified.
f) How does the photographer justify the change?
Ans. He says they come out splendidly.
g) What theme is reinforced here?
Ans. Artificial beauty versus natural identity.

Extract 5
“We have a process now — the Delphide — for putting in new ones.”
a) Who speaks these words?
Ans. The photographer.
b) What are “new ones” referring to?
Ans. Eyebrows.
c) What does the mention of a process show?
Ans. Overuse of technical methods.
d) How does the narrator react inwardly?
Ans. With disbelief and irritation.
e) What does this reveal about the photographer’s priorities?
Ans. Technical perfection over truth.
f) Why is this humorous?
Ans. Facial features are treated like replaceable objects.
g) What criticism is implied here?
Ans. Criticism of artificial modern practices.

Extract 6
“We have a process now — the Sulphide — for removing the ears entirely.”
a) Who says this?
Ans. The photographer.
b) Which feature is discussed?
Ans. The ears.
c) Why does this shock the narrator?
Ans. The ears resemble his own closely.
d) What does “entirely” suggest?
Ans. Complete removal without concern.
e) What does this show about the photographer?
Ans. Extreme insensitivity.
f) How does this lead to the climax?
Ans. It triggers the narrator’s angry outburst.
g) What is the comic element here?
Ans. Absurdity of removing identity completely.

Extract 7
“I came here for a photograph — a picture — something which would have looked like me.”
a) Who speaks these words?
Ans. The narrator.
b) At what stage of the story are these spoken?
Ans. During the final outburst.
c) What was the narrator’s original purpose?
Ans. To get a true likeness of himself.
d) Why does he feel disappointed?
Ans. The photo no longer resembles him.
e) What tone dominates this speech?
Ans. Anger mixed with sorrow.
f) What value does the narrator uphold?
Ans. Acceptance of natural identity.
g) How does this speech prepare the ending?
Ans. It leads to his emotional breakdown and exit.

Extract 8
“On Saturday I went back. The photographer beckoned me in. I thought he seemed quieter and graver than before. I think, too, there was a certain pride in his manner.”
a) Who is the speaker of this extract?
Ans. The narrator.
b) Where does the speaker go on Saturday?
Ans. To the photographer’s studio.
c) What change does the narrator notice in the photographer?
Ans. He appears quieter and more serious.
d) What does “graver” suggest about the photographer’s mood?
Ans. A more serious and professional attitude.
e) What feeling does the narrator sense in the photographer’s manner?
Ans. Pride.
f) Why is this moment important in the story?
Ans. It prepares the reader for the revelation of the altered photograph.
g) What literary effect does this paragraph create?
Ans. A pause and tension before the conflict intensifies.

Extract 9
“I broke into tears and left.”
a) Who is referred to by “I”?
Ans. The narrator.
b) What emotional state is revealed here?
Ans. Deep emotional hurt and frustration.
c) Why does the narrator break into tears?
Ans. His identity has been destroyed by artificial alteration.
d) What does the word “left” signify beyond physical departure?
Ans. Rejection of artificial modern practices.
e) How does this line conclude the conflict?
Ans. By showing the narrator’s emotional defeat.
f) What tone dominates this final line?
Ans. Pathos mixed with irony.
g) What central theme of the lesson is reinforced here?
Ans. The loss of individuality due to artificial manipulation.

Two-Mark Questions

1.    Why does the narrator protest when the photographer is about to take the photograph?
Ans. The narrator protests because the photographer is altering his face without regard for his identity. He feels the face belongs to him alone, with all its faults, and he wants it accepted as it is, not artificially changed.

2.    What does the narrator mean when he says he has “lived with” his face for forty years?
Ans. He means that he has accepted his appearance throughout his life. Despite its imperfections, it has become part of his identity, and long familiarity has made him emotionally attached to it.

3.    How is the photograph taken at an unexpected moment, and why is it ironic?
Ans. The photograph is taken suddenly when the narrator is emotionally protesting and beginning to rise. It is ironic because instead of capturing calm dignity, the camera freezes him in agitation.

4.    How does the photographer justify his satisfaction with the photograph?
Ans. The photographer claims he has captured the narrator’s features in a “moment of animation.” He considers this professionally successful, ignoring the narrator’s emotional distress and personal dissatisfaction with the image.

5.    Why is the narrator unable to see the photograph immediately after it is taken?
Ans. The narrator cannot see it because the negative must first be developed. This delay also builds suspense and prepares the reader for the shock the narrator experiences on seeing the altered photograph later.

6.    What change does the narrator notice in the photographer when he returns on Saturday?
Ans. The photographer appears quieter, graver, and more self-assured. His manner suggests pride in his work, indicating that he believes the photograph to be a professional achievement.

7.    Why does the narrator hesitate when commenting on the eyes in the photograph?
Ans. He hesitates because he is disturbed and unsure. He senses that the photograph does not resemble him, but he is still trying to understand the extent of the artificial alterations.

8.    How does the photographer explain the changes made to the narrator’s eyes?
Ans. The photographer explains that the eyes have been retouched and proudly claims they look splendid. He treats the change as an improvement, not considering whether it preserves the narrator’s identity.

9.    What does the removal of eyebrows using the “Delphide” process reveal about the photographer?
Ans. It reveals the photographer’s excessive reliance on artificial techniques. He treats facial features as replaceable parts, prioritizing technical perfection over truth and individuality.

10. Why does the narrator react bitterly to the discussion about his mouth?
Ans. The narrator reacts bitterly because the photographer admits adjusting his mouth, calling it “too low.” This confirms that even his basic facial identity is being reshaped according to someone else’s standards.

11. Why do the narrator’s ears become the turning point of the conflict?
Ans. The ears still resemble his own, offering hope of recognition. When the photographer proposes removing them entirely, it shocks the narrator and triggers his final angry outburst.

12. What does the narrator mean by wanting a photograph “as Heaven gave it to me”?
Ans. He means he wants a truthful image that reflects his natural appearance. He values authenticity over artificial beauty and believes his face, however humble, is a gift from God.

13. Why does the narrator mention his friends remembering him after his death?
Ans. He wanted the photograph to be a genuine reminder of himself for his friends. The altered image fails this purpose, as it no longer represents the person they knew and loved.

14. How does the narrator use sarcasm while addressing the photographer in his final speech?
Ans. He sarcastically invites the photographer to use endless chemicals and processes to alter the image. This exaggeration mocks modern artificial practices and highlights their absurdity.

15. What is the significance of the narrator breaking into tears at the end?
Ans. The tears signify emotional defeat and deep hurt. Realizing that authenticity has been destroyed by artificial methods, the narrator rejects the photograph and leaves, emphasizing the story’s theme of lost individuality.

Three-Mark Questions

1.    How does the narrator assert his individuality at the beginning of the passage?
Ans. At the beginning, the narrator strongly asserts his individuality by declaring that his face belongs only to him. He emphasizes that he has lived with it for forty years, knows all its faults, and has learned to accept and love it. His emotional yet dignified protest shows his belief that personal identity should not be altered by artificial standards of beauty.

2.    Explain the significance of the sudden “Snick!” in the passage.
Ans. The sudden “Snick!” signifies the unexpected taking of the photograph while the narrator is emotionally protesting. It highlights the photographer’s mechanical attitude and lack of sensitivity. The moment is ironic because instead of capturing dignity, the photograph freezes agitation, reinforcing the story’s satire on modern photography and artificial professionalism.

3.    Describe the photographer’s attitude as revealed through his conversation with the narrator.
Ans. The photographer appears cold, technical, and insensitive. He treats the human face as a mechanical object that can be altered at will. His repeated references to chemical processes and his pride in retouching features show that he values technical perfection more than human feelings or personal identity.

4.    Why does the narrator feel disturbed when he first looks at the photograph?
Ans. The narrator feels disturbed because the photograph does not resemble him. His eyes, eyebrows, and other features have been altered, making the image unfamiliar. This shock marks the realization that his identity has been reshaped according to the photographer’s preferences, not preserved truthfully.

5.    How does the use of scientific terms add to the humour and satire of the story?
Ans. Scientific terms like Delphide and Sulphide add humour by exaggerating the photographer’s obsession with technical processes. They make the alterations sound absurd and impersonal, reducing human features to laboratory experiments. This satirical use mocks modern practices that sacrifice individuality for artificial perfection.

6.    Discuss the importance of the ears episode in the development of the story.
Ans. The ears episode is crucial because the narrator finally finds a feature that resembles him. When the photographer casually suggests removing them, it shocks the narrator completely. This moment pushes the conflict to its climax and leads to the narrator’s angry speech, exposing the extreme absurdity of artificial alteration.

7.    What does the narrator mean by saying that what he wanted “is no longer done”?
Ans. By this statement, the narrator suggests that honest, truthful portrait-making has disappeared. Modern photography, in his view, no longer represents reality but creates artificial images. This line criticizes contemporary society’s preference for perfection over authenticity and emotional truth.

8.    Explain the narrator’s final speech and its tone.
Ans. The narrator’s final speech is sarcastic, emotional, and bitter. He mocks the photographer’s methods by listing chemicals and exaggerating alterations. The tone reflects deep frustration and sorrow, as he realizes that his simple wish for a truthful photograph has been completely denied.

9.    Why does the narrator call the photograph a “worthless bauble”?
Ans. He calls the photograph a worthless bauble because it has lost all personal meaning. Though polished and artificial, it no longer represents him. To the narrator, emotional truth and identity matter more than outward beauty or technical perfection.

10. How does the ending of the story reinforce its central theme?
Ans. The ending reinforces the theme by showing the narrator breaking into tears and leaving. This emotional collapse highlights the damage caused by artificial manipulation of identity. The story concludes by emphasizing that individuality and authenticity cannot be replaced by technical brilliance.