Judge — October 10, 1885 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Judge" Cover, October 10, 1885 This political cartoon titled "Return of the Prodigal Mugwump" satirizes the "Mugwumps"—Republicans who abandoned their party to support Democrat Grover Cleveland in the 1884 presidential election. The central figure, dressed in ragged clothes and leaning on a staff, represents a returning Mugwump. The caption quotes the Biblical prodigal son: "I will arise and go to my father," suggesting these Republicans are attempting to reconcile with the GOP after Cleveland's election. The cartoon mocks them as foolish deserters. The pigs and degraded animals surrounding the figure reinforce the satirical message that Mugwumps have debased themselves through their political apostasy. The Republican headquarters visible in the background underscores the party-loyalty angle of the joke.