With The Photographer

Leacock's trip to the photographer yielded a

bitter taste, as often seemed the case. Arriving
at the studio, he endured an hour's wait before
being summoned into the inner sanctum,
where a stern-faced photographer awaited.
Rather than tact or diplomacy, the
photographer bluntly criticized Leacock's
appearance, deeming it unsuitable for a
conventional portrait. Opting instead for a
three-quarter view, he dismissed Leacock's
protests with indifference.

As the session progressed, Leacock found

himself bewildered by a flurry of obscure
instructions from the photographer, who paid
little heed to his confusion. Growing
increasingly impatient, Leacock rebuked the
photographer, only to be met with an abrupt
click of the camera.

When presented with the proof on Saturday,

Leacock was further dismayed to find his
features digitally altered beyond recognition.
Distraught, he implored the photographer for
authenticity, asserting his preference for his
unadulterated likeness. With tears in his eyes,
he departed the studio, resolved to cherish his
true self over any fabricated image.

The Elevator
The narrative unfolds within the confines of an aged
building, its antiquated elevator serving as a focal
point of Martin's discomfort. Martin, harboring a deep-
seated fear of elevators, endures the claustrophobic
atmosphere exacerbated by dim lighting and grimy
walls. Despite attempts to conquer his trepidation,
Martin remains haunted by the specter of entrapment
within the lift.

A chance encounter with a peculiar lady on the

elevator sets off a series of unsettling events. Her
unnerving stare sends shivers down Martin's spine,
triggering a cascade of fear and confusion. Even after
seeking solace in the familiarity of home, Martin finds
himself confronted by the enigmatic presence once
more.

His father's indifference to Martin's distress

compounds his anguish, leaving him feeling isolated
and vulnerable. When tragedy strikes in the form of a
broken leg, Martin's already fragile psyche shatters
further.

The narrative crescendos with a chilling twist as

Martin finds himself ensnared in a sinister scheme
orchestrated by the mysterious old lady. As the
elevator doors close, trapping Martin within, the story
leaves readers on edge, gripped by an eerie sense of
foreboding.

the girl who can

In a Ghanaian village, young Adjoa grapples with the
challenge of being understood by the adults in her
life, particularly her grandmother, Nana. Nana's
critical remarks about Adjoa's thin legs create
tension, countered only mildly by Adjoa's mother.

Adjoa finds solace and purpose in her education and

the thrill of competing in school sports. When she's
chosen to represent her school in a district
competition, skepticism gives way to support from
Nana as she witnesses Adjoa's dedication and talent
firsthand.

Adjoa's triumphs on the sports field not only earn her

recognition but also reshape Nana's perceptions.
Seeing Adjoa's legs carry her to victory, Nana's pride
swells, leading to a newfound appreciation for
Adjoa's strength and resilience.

The culmination of Adjoa's success, marked by Nana

proudly displaying the champion's cup, symbolizes a
shift in understanding and acceptance within the
family, illustrating the transformative power of
recognition and support.

Poem
Haunted house
In the poem, the dwellers of haunted houses are
depicted as coexisting with phantoms who quietly
carry on their ethereal affairs. Despite feeling the
presence of these ghosts, the inhabitants perceive
them merely as fleeting movements in the air. During
gatherings, the uninvited spirits join, blending
seamlessly with the guests, unnoticed by all except
the poet, who possesses a unique sight into the
spiritual realm.

Longfellow artfully intertwines the physical and

spiritual planes, portraying human lives as delicately
balanced between desire and ethics. He suggests
that the vastness of the universe, with its myriad
undiscovered stars and planets, influences human
experience. The moon's illuminating gaze over the
sea symbolizes the mystery of the night, inviting
contemplation of the metaphysical realm where
thoughts roam freely.

What sets this poem apart is its gentle portrayal of

ghosts and spirits, devoid of malevolence.
Longfellow's masterful use of rhyme and figurative
language imbues the verse with a soothing quality,
akin to a comforting lullaby.

The glove and lion

In the realm of King Francis, lion fights stirred
excitement in the royal stadium, attended by noble
figures like Count de Lorge and his beloved, both
favored by the king. As the mighty beasts clashed,
King Francis remarked on the wisdom of staying out
of such perilous battles.

Eager to showcase her lover's bravery, the lady

devised a daring test: retrieving her glove from the
arena. With swift determination, the Count
succeeded, earning commendation from the king for
prioritizing his beloved's safety.

This act of chivalry contrasted starkly with the lady's

vanity, evident in her reckless demand. King Francis,
discerning the true essence of love and loyalty, saw
in the Count's actions a profound commitment to
safeguarding his beloved. Thus, amidst the spectacle
of lion fights, the king recognized that true devotion
transcended ostentatious displays and rested on the
foundation of selfless care and protection.

poet
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Stephen Butler Leacock (1869-1944), born in England
and educated at Toronto University in Canada, was a
versatile scholar and humorist. After obtaining his
Ph.D. from Chicago, he distinguished himself as head
of the department of Economics and Political Science
at McGill University. Alongside his academic pursuits,
Leacock cultivated a talent for crafting humorous
short stories and essays, which garnered
international acclaim.

Renowned for his wit and keen observation of social

dynamics, Leacock penned over 30 books, including
the beloved classics "Literary Lapses," "Nonsense
Novels," and "Further Foolishness." His humor often
centered on the absurdities of human behavior and
the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Leacock's contributions to literature earned him

prestigious accolades, such as the Mark Twain Medal
for Humor and the Governor General's Literary Award
for non-fiction. His legacy endures as a revered
humorist, educator, and author, whose work
continues to delight audiences worldwide with its
timeless charm and wit.
Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, born into a wealthy Bengali

family on May 7, 1861, rose to prominence as a
renowned literary figure, excelling not only as a poet
but also as a novelist and esteemed short-story
writer. His multifaceted talent and visionary outlook
led him to actively engage in the Indian National
Movement alongside Mahatma Gandhi, albeit in his
own non-sentimental manner. Despite being knighted
by the British Government in 1915, Tagore returned
the honor in protest against British policies in India,
exemplifying his commitment to his principles.

Tagore's literary prowess transcended borders, with

his works gaining widespread recognition both in his
native Bengal and the West. His acclaimed
compositions include "Gitanjali," "Raja," "Dakghar"
(The Post Office), and "Gora." Through his poignant
short stories, Tagore artfully captured the rustic
allure of Bengal's countryside, offering readers a
captivating glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for
"Gitanjali," Tagore's enduring legacy as a literary
luminary continues to resonate globally, enriching
readers with his profound insights and lyrical prose.

Ruskin Bond
Born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, on May 19, 1934,
Ruskin Bond's early life was marked by upheaval
following his father's death and his mother's
remarriage. Raised in Jamnagar and Shimla, he found
solace in literature amidst the shifting landscapes of
his childhood.

Bond's literary canvas is deeply imbued with the

sights and sounds of the Himalayan hill stations,
where he spent his formative years. His debut novel,
"The Room on the Roof," penned at seventeen,
captures the essence of his experiences in Dehradun.
Subsequent works, including acclaimed children's
books like "The Angry River" and "The Blue
Umbrella," showcase his profound connection with
young readers.

Through his writing, Bond offers poignant reflections

on his Anglo-Indian heritage and vividly portrays
India's evolving socio-political landscape. His literary
contributions have been recognized with numerous
awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the
Padma Shri, cementing his status as an icon in the
literary world.

Satyajit Ray
Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) hailed from an esteemed
Bengali lineage and received his education in
Calcutta. Renowned for his pioneering storytelling in
Indian cinema, Ray was celebrated for his innovative
ideas that propelled the global film industry forward.
Alongside directing 36 films, he excelled in music,
graphic design, and writing, showcasing his
multifaceted genius. His notable characters include
the sleuth Feluda and the scientist Professor Shonku.

Ray's cinematic brilliance earned him numerous

accolades, including 32 Indian National Film Awards,
the Moscow Film Festival award for cinematic
contribution, and the Bharat Ratna in 1992. His
legacy extends beyond cinema, encompassing his
contributions to literature and graphic design.
Through his enduring works, Ray remains an icon in
Indian culture, revered for his artistic vision and
storytelling prowess.
William Warner Sleator III
William Warner Sleator III, better known as William
Sleator, was a distinguished American science fiction
writer born on February 13, 1945, in Havre de Grace,
Maryland, United States. Educated at Harvard
University, Sleator gained acclaim for his compelling
works, including "House of Stairs" (1974),
"Interstellar Pig" (1984), and "Singularity" (1985),
among others. His narratives often pitted
protagonists against aliens, ghouls, and otherworldly
creatures, blending elements of fantasy, science
fiction, horror, and suspense.

Sleator's writing style was lauded for its spare yet

stylish prose, infused with darkly comic undertones.
He was celebrated for crafting deliciously strange
characters, such as a garbage-like flying octopus.
Notably, he was nominated for the National Book
Award for Children's Books (Picture Paperback).
Sleator passed away on August 3, 2011, in Thailand,
leaving behind a rich literary legacy cherished by
readers worldwide.

JULIUS CAESAr
Shakespeare's portrayal of Julius Caesar transcends
simplistic hero or villain archetypes, offering a
multifaceted character who embodies both admirable
qualities and glaring flaws. By depicting Caesar as
sometimes reasonable, sometimes superstitious, and
sometimes arrogantly aloof, Shakespeare presents a
figure whom the nobility have just reasons to fear, yet
who is not inherently villainous. Caesar's arrogance
and pride often overshadow his ability to reason,
leading him to dismiss warnings and signs that
should alert him. His fatalistic acceptance of death is
tempered by his overwhelming ambition to be
crowned king, blinding him to the dangers that
surround him.

Even beyond his assassination, Caesar remains a

potent force in the play, his spirit haunting both
Brutus and Antony. While Brutus seeks to reconcile
mentally and morally his role in Caesar's murder, the
ghost of Caesar serves as a catalyst for rebellion
among the citizens of Rome. Ultimately, Caesar's
spirit persists as a symbolic presence, influencing the
actions and fates of those who participated in his
demise.
MARK ANTONY
Antony's strategic cunning and political ambition are
evident throughout Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."
Initially portrayed as loyal to Caesar, Antony quickly
recognizes the opportunity to exploit Brutus' idealism
and naivety following Caesar's assassination.
Through flattery and manipulation, he gains
permission to speak at Caesar's funeral, using the
platform to incite rebellion and undermine the
republican cause. Antony's soliloquy reveals his
ruthless ambition to create civil strife and seize
power alongside Octavius. His confrontations with
Cassius and Brutus demonstrate his skill in
identifying and exploiting their weaknesses,
ultimately contributing to their downfall.

Antony's ability to pivot between emotional appeals

and calculated rhetoric is central to his success. In
the Forum, he masterfully turns the crowd against the
conspirators by appealing to their emotions,
leveraging Brutus' speech to incite fury. At Philippi,
he seizes the moment when Brutus exposes Cassius'
army, capitalizing on their vulnerability. Even in
victory, Antony demonstrates political astuteness by
publicly praising Brutus to consolidate power.
Ironically, Brutus' attempt to rid Rome of tyranny
inadvertently paves the way for Antony's own
authoritarian rule, highlighting the complex interplay
of ambition and idealism in the political arena.
BRUTUS

Brutus stands as the most intricate character in

"Julius Caesar." Driven by a deep-seated commitment
to honor and morality, he grapples with the ethical
implications of assassinating a friend. His attempt to
rationalize the murder through a quasi-religious ritual
underscores his struggle to reconcile his actions with
his moral code. Despite his pride in his reputation for
nobility, Brutus's naivety and idealism often lead him
astray, as seen in his failure to discern the true
intentions of those around him, including Cassius and
Antony.

Brutus's unwavering dedication to honor shapes his

every decision, yet it also blinds him to the
manipulations of others. His naive worldview
prevents him from recognizing the duplicitous
schemes of his fellow conspirators, leading to critical
misjudgments and tactical errors. Despite his moral
conflicts and moments of hypocrisy, Brutus ultimately
remains steadfast in his commitment to his
principles, facing his fate with dignity and certainty in
his integrity.
Cassius
Cassius possesses a keen ability to discern the true
nature of individuals, a quality that Caesar
acknowledges. Despite his perceptive insight,
Cassius undermines his own influence by allowing
Brutus to take charge of the republican faction. His
deep-seated resentment towards Caesar stems from
a belief in the responsibility of the Roman nobility to
safeguard the republic from tyranny, leading him to
advocate for Caesar's assassination.

While Cassius exhibits negative traits such as envy

and resorting to deceitful tactics, he also displays a
certain nobility of character. Despite his emotional
nature, including extreme hatred and fear, Cassius
maintains a sense of loyalty to Brutus and remains
faithful even in dire circumstances. His final act of
suicide reflects his refusal to face the humiliation of
capture, embodying a sense of dignity and resolve.

Throughout the play, Cassius's complex character is

marked by a blend of noble intentions and morally
questionable actions, ultimately contributing to the
intricate dynamics of the plot.
Octavius Caesar
Shakespeare skillfully portrays Octavius in "Julius
Caesar," setting the stage for his future role as
Emperor Augustus. Octavius demonstrates astute
political insight and decisiveness, particularly in his
ruthless tactics to consolidate power after Caesar's
assassination. Despite his cooperation with Antony,
Octavius remains wary of him, recognizing their
power struggle and taking measures to assert his
independence.

Octavius's shrewdness is evident in his handling of

the proscription and his strategic preparations for
battle against Brutus and Cassius. He displays
confidence in his ability to succeed and organize
Rome under his leadership. His willingness to heed
Antony's advice when beneficial underscores his
pragmatic approach to politics, balancing
assertiveness with collaboration.

Throughout the play, Octavius emerges as a

calculated and formidable figure, laying the
groundwork for his future ascent to Emperor and
establishing himself as a key player in Rome's
political landscape.