Post by sphillips on Oct 2, 2013 1:49:10 GMT
This cartoon has a ring of people, titled “Tammany Ring”. All of the people in the ring look elite and intelligent because of their attire. Words or names are written on their backs, which cannot be read legibly. They all look stressed and angry, and as if they do not know what to do. The men in this photo have their right hands up pointing at each other, their backs turned to all the others, implicating vulnerability. The men do not want to be blamed for what issue is occurring at that moment, so they each point at a different man, as if to say "I didn't do it!"
The illustrator is demonstrating the many issues he believes were associated with Tammany Hall, the main political machine in New York City during the 1800s. The frustrated looks on the members of the ring imply there are many issues that are being faced. The man all the way to the left who stands out the most resembles William Tweed, the leader of the machine. He is bigger than the others and colored darker, with a scowl on his face. The men standing next to him cower down, and are not pointing at anyone, most likely afraid to speak their minds. This machine was led by a completely corrupt leader, and the illustrator is showing us through a cartoon.
The illustrator is demonstrating the many issues he believes were associated with Tammany Hall, the main political machine in New York City during the 1800s. The frustrated looks on the members of the ring imply there are many issues that are being faced. The man all the way to the left who stands out the most resembles William Tweed, the leader of the machine. He is bigger than the others and colored darker, with a scowl on his face. The men standing next to him cower down, and are not pointing at anyone, most likely afraid to speak their minds. This machine was led by a completely corrupt leader, and the illustrator is showing us through a cartoon.