Page 81 - DENG203_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_IV

Elective English—IV Gowher Ahmad Naik, Lovely Professional University

Notes Unit 5: Are the Rich Happy? by Stephen Leacock

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
5.1 About Stephen Butler Leacock

5.1.1 Early Life
5.1.2 Academic and Political Life
5.1.3 Literary Life

5.1.4 Memorial Medal for Humour
5.1.5 Personal Life
5.1.6 Death and Tributes

5.1.7 Screen Adaptations
5.1.8 Bibliography
5.2 Are the Rich Happy? by Stephen Leacock

5.2.1 Analysis of Are the Rich Happy?
5.3 Summary

5.4 Keywords
5.5 Review Questions
5.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
Describe the life of Stephen Butler Leacock

Explain the works of Stephen Butler Leacock
Understand the short story Are the Rich Happy?
Analyse Are the Rich Happy?

Introduction

Stephen Butler Leacock (1869-1944), is a renowned author of sharp humour and satire. His short
stories have some realistic irony exposing the social weaknesses of modern life. This Canadian
author will always be remembered for his best-selling book Sunshine Sketches of a Little
Town (1912) as well as the several awards and honours he received during his illustrious lifetime
as professor, author, lecturer and humourist. Born in Swanmore, England, Stephen Leacock was
one of 11 children of an unsuccessful farmer and a determined mother, a woman to whom
Leacock no doubt owed his status-conscious and energetic nature. While teaching at the prestigious

76 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY