Photography, like any art, has the power to capture truth, but it can also distort reality and

exploit its
subjects. In Stephen Leacock’s story "With the Photographer," the narrator’s encounter with an
eccentric photographer humorously illustrates this idea. The narrator arrives expecting a simple,
realistic portrait, but the photographer quickly begins to control his appearance. He makes the
narrator tilt his head, adjust his shoulders, and even forces him into an awkward facial expression, all
in the name of creating a “better” image. Instead of capturing the narrator’s true likeness, the
photographer imposes his own vision of what a photograph “should” look like, transforming the
narrator’s image to suit his own standards. By the end, the narrator feels objectified and is left with a
picture in which he barely recognizes himself.

This story reflects today’s issues with digitally manipulated photos, which are now widespread in
media. With editing tools like Photoshop, photographers and editors can change facial features,
smooth skin, and reshape bodies, creating a flawless but false illusion of beauty. However, these
idealized images often promote unrealistic beauty standards that negatively impact self-esteem and
body image, especially among young people. Just as the narrator’s likeness was altered against his
wishes, digital manipulation distorts people’s perception of beauty, making ideals that are impossible
to achieve in real life. Ultimately, Leacock’s story humorously reminds us that photography should
capture genuine representation rather than fabricate an artificial version of reality.

Report on the Assassination of Julius Caesar

Date: Ides of March, 44 BCE

On the 15th of March, known as the Ides of March, Julius Caesar, the revered leader of Rome, was
brutally assassinated by a group of conspirators at the Capitol. The day began with ominous
warnings, including a dream by his wife, Calpurnia, who forewarned him of danger. Despite her pleas
to stay away from the Senate, Caesar dismissed her fears, confident in his power and popularity
among the people.

As he entered the Senate, Caesar was greeted by a mixture of supporters and conspirators. Led by
Brutus and Cassius, the conspirators had meticulously planned the assassination, believing it was
their duty to protect the Republic from Caesar’s growing authority. They feared his ambition would
lead to tyranny, endangering the very foundation of Roman governance. The conspirators prepared a
ruse to gather Caesar in close quarters. Metellus Cimber approached him with a petition, requesting
the return of his exiled brother. This distraction allowed the conspirators to position themselves
around Caesar.

The assassination commenced swiftly. Casca was the first to strike, stabbing Caesar in the neck.
Caesar, initially shocked, turned to face his attackers. He was subsequently stabbed multiple times by
others. The betrayal was most poignant when he saw Brutus, his trusted friend, among his assassins.
According to accounts, Caesar uttered the famous words, “Et tu, Brute?” (You too, Brutus?),
encapsulating his feelings of betrayal and despair as he fell to the ground.
The immediate aftermath led to panic and chaos in Rome. The conspirators believed killing Caesar
would restore power to the Senate and safeguard the Republic. However, their actions ignited a
series of events that plunged Rome into civil war. The death of Caesar, rather than bringing peace,
unleashed a wave of unrest among his supporters.

Mark Antony, a loyal friend of Caesar, took advantage of the chaos to sway public opinion against the
conspirators. At Caesar’s funeral, Antony delivered a masterful speech that highlighted Caesar’s
accomplishments and his commitment to the Roman people. He repeatedly referred to the
conspirators as “honourable men” while contrasting their actions with Caesar’s legacy. His emotional
appeal stirred the crowd, turning their grief into anger, leading citizens to seek revenge against the
conspirators.

In conclusion, the assassination of Julius Caesar was a pivotal moment that altered the course of
Roman history. It transformed the political landscape and ultimately led to the rise of the Roman
Empire. This report documents the tragedy of the Ides of March and its profound implications for
Rome.

The central theme of Robert Frost’s poem “A Considerable Speck” revolves around the idea of
perspective and the intrinsic value of all forms of life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant
they may appear. The poem begins with the speaker observing a tiny speck, likely an insect, which he
initially dismisses as inconsequential. However, as he reflects on the speck, the speaker begins to
appreciate its existence and the role it plays in the larger ecosystem.

Frost uses the speck as a metaphor for life’s overlooked details and challenges readers to consider
the importance of every creature in the natural world. This shift in perception highlights how even
the smallest beings possess their own significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of life. The
speaker's contemplation of the speck encourages us to recognize beauty and meaning in the
seemingly mundane aspects of existence.

The title “A Considerable Speck” is both ironic and thought-provoking. While the word "speck"
suggests something trivial, the adjective "considerable" elevates its importance. It invites readers to
reflect on the idea that what may appear insignificant at first glance can hold considerable value
upon closer inspection. Thus, the title serves as a reminder to appreciate the complexity and
interconnectedness of all life.
Mark Antony’s funeral speech in Julius Caesar is masterfully effective in swaying public opinion
against the conspirators who killed Caesar. Antony’s success comes from his emotional appeal, clever
use of irony, and his ability to connect deeply with the Roman crowd.

He begins by calling the conspirators “honourable men,” a phrase he repeats to gradually reveal the
irony behind it. This irony becomes clear as he compares their claim that Caesar was ambitious with
examples that show his humility and care for Rome—such as his refusal of the crown. This contrast
plants seeds of doubt in the minds of the crowd, prompting them to question the motives of Brutus
and the others who assassinated Caesar.

Antony strengthens his appeal by using emotionally charged language and sharing personal
anecdotes about Caesar. For instance, he reads Caesar’s will, which reveals that Caesar left money
and public parks to the citizens. This act of generosity portrays Caesar as a compassionate leader
who genuinely loved the Roman people, rather than as a power-hungry tyrant. By highlighting
Caesar’s kindness and his connection to the common people, Antony stirs the crowd’s sympathy and
paints Caesar as a victim of treachery.

Additionally, Antony uses strategic pauses and tone shifts to keep his audience engaged and to
heighten the emotional impact of his words. As he speaks, the crowd’s mood shifts from calm
reflection to grief and, ultimately, to outrage. Antony’s skill in amplifying their emotions turns the
listeners into a passionate mob, eager to seek justice against those they now see as Caesar’s
betrayers.

In conclusion, Antony’s speech is persuasive not only for its eloquence but also for its emotional
insight. By appealing to the crowd’s love for Caesar, casting doubt on the conspirators’ motives, and
portraying Caesar as a beloved leader betrayed by his friends, Antony successfully turns public
opinion. His speech unleashes chaos in Rome, showing how powerful rhetoric can shape the
sentiments and actions of the masses.