My Financial Career

Stephen Leacock

The story is a classic example of Leacock's signature style, which uses exaggeration and

satire to poke fun at social anxieties and everyday situations.

In "My Financial Career," the narrator's fear of banks and financial institutions is blown out

of proportion for comedic effect. The narrator describes feeling intimidated by the bank's

clerks, the wickets, and even the sight of money itself. His attempts to open an account are

riddled with misunderstandings and embarrassing blunders.

Leacock's story is relatable because it taps into a common fear of the unknown and the

feeling of being out of place in complex environments like banks. While the narrator's

anxieties are exaggerated, the story highlights the genuine confusion that many people

experience when dealing with financial matters for the first time.

QUESTIONS FOR COMPREHENSION

1. What is it that rattles the author when he visits a bank?

Banks turn the author into a nervous wreck. Everything from the clerks to the very sight of

money throws him off balance. He feels out of place and intimidated by the procedures and

formality. It's like stepping into an unknown, complex world, making him feel like an

"irresponsible idiot.”

2. Why did the author have to open an account with the bank?
The story, "My Financial Career," doesn't directly tell us why the author absolutely needed a

bank account. There are two possibilities: First, he might have received a raise or some

income that felt like a large sum to keep at home in cash. Banks offered a secure place to

store his money. Secondly, It's also possible that using a bank account was becoming more

common, and the author, perhaps new to a job or city life, felt the need to participate in this

financial system.

3. What made him think that he must see the manager?

The author might be completely new to banking and have no idea about the process. He

might mistakenly believe that opening an account requires special permission or approval,

only obtainable from the manager.

4. Why did the manager look at him in some alarm?

The manager is likely alarmed because the author's demeanor doesn't match his

expectations. The author seems nervous and unsure, which might lead the manager to

question his intentions or financial standing.

5. Why did the manager call to the accountant in an “unkindly loud" voice?

The most likely reason is to draw attention to the small amount of money (fifty-six dollars)

the author is depositing. The loud voice can be seen as a way of mocking or expressing

disappointment at such a low deposit compared to the usual clientele. The manager might be

annoyed by the disruption the author's unusual behavior caused. The loud call could be a

way to vent his frustration or hurry the process along.

6. Why did the author wish to draw a cheque immediately after opening the account?

The author's desire to withdraw money right after depositing suggests a lack of
understanding about banking. He might not realize the deposited funds need some

processing time before becoming readily available.

7. What was the "idiot hope" that struck the author?

The "idiot hope" likely refers to the author's unrealistic expectation. He might have hoped

the bank would somehow magically increase his small deposit or offer him some

unexpected benefit.

8. Why does the author bank no more?

The story ends abruptly after the cheque incident. Leacock might be leaving it up to the

reader to imagine the author's future banking habits - either he continues (hopefully with

less anxiety) or avoids banks altogether.

VOCABULARY

I. Match the words in part A with their meanings in part B

1. Imply————-Needing no proof

2. Transact———To do business

3. Reckless———Not caring for the consequences

4. Self evident—-mean

5. Conjuring—An act of magic

III Use the following words/phrases in sentences of your own

1. Timidly: The child timidely approached the large dog, unsure of its temperament.

2. Presume: I can presume you'll be happy with the results, but let me know if you have

any questions.

3. To make a plunge: She took a deep breath and decided to make the plunge by quitting

her job and starting her own business.

4. A quick temper: John's quick temper often landed him in trouble, blurting things out

before thinking.

5. While the fit is on (somebody): It's best to avoid talking to Mandeep while the fit is on,

otherwise you'll just get an earful.

6. Invalid: The doctor declared her insurance card invalid because it had expired.

7. Reckless: Driving under the influence is a reckless decision that puts yourself and others

at risk.