Notes For All Chapters – Kumarbharati English Class 9
My Financial Career
Author: Stephen Leacock
Genre: Humorous Short Story
Theme: Anxiety and awkwardness in dealing with formal situations, especially in banks.
Important Vocabulary (with simple meanings):
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rattled | Nervous, confused |
| Sepulchral | Gloomy, sad |
| Jay | A silly or foolish person |
| Wicket | Window counter at a bank |
| Shambled | Walked awkwardly or lazily |
| Crumpled | Wrinkled |
| Convulsive | Sudden and uncontrolled |
| Ghastly pale | Very white due to fear |
| Draw a cheque | Write a cheque to withdraw money |
| Vault/Safe | Strongroom for keeping money safely |
Main Points of the Chapter:
1. Narrator’s Fear of Banks
The narrator becomes very nervous and confused when he goes to a bank.
He feels uncomfortable seeing money, bank staff, and even the bank building.
2. Attempt to Open an Account
He decides to open a bank account after his salary is raised to $50 a month.
He goes to the bank but acts strangely due to nervousness.
He asks to see the manager “alone,” which creates suspicion.
3. The Manager’s Reaction
The manager thinks he is a detective or someone important like the son of a rich man.
When the narrator says he has $56 to deposit, the manager is surprised.
4. Opening the Account
He mistakenly walks into the bank’s safe (vault).
He throws the money nervously at the accountant.
He signs the form but is not aware of what he is doing.
5. Withdrawal Mistake
He wants to withdraw only $6 but writes a cheque for $56 (the entire amount).
Too nervous to correct it, he withdraws all the money.
6. Final Decision
Embarrassed and confused, he leaves the bank.
He decides never to go to a bank again.
He keeps his money in his pocket and in a sock at home.
Humour in the Story:
The story is funny because of the narrator’s silly behavior and overreaction.
He behaves like a detective or rich man, but actually has very little money.
His mistakes and the misunderstanding at the bank create comic situations.
Character Sketch of the Narrator:
| Trait | Example from Story |
|---|---|
| Timid and Nervous | Gets scared of bank staff, building, and money. |
| Socially Awkward | Asks to see the manager “alone” for no reason. |
| Careless | Walks into the bank’s vault by mistake. |
| Unaware of Procedure | Doesn’t know how to open an account or write a cheque. |
| Comical | Withdraws all his money by mistake and pretends to be angry. |
| Economical | Wants to deposit his salary and save it. |
What the Story Teaches Us:
Don’t be afraid of formal systems like banks.
It’s okay to ask for help instead of panicking.
Humor can be found in everyday awkward situations.
Learn the correct process before doing something important.
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