Judge, 1920-05-01 · page 6 of 36
Judge — May 1, 1920 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "My Papa a Felon!" This cartoon illustrates a domestic drama where a son (Pond) returns home to find his father (George) in crisis. The father appears physically distressed—depicted with an exaggerated, skeletal appearance suggesting moral or emotional collapse. The dialogue reveals the core conflict: George believes his son has committed a crime ("Have you committed some crime—murder?"), while Pond insists he's innocent but tormented by shame. George alternates between paternal forgiveness and demands for truth, ultimately declaring "your place is here! This is your home—yours—your table—your income—tax and everything yours!" The satire appears to critique Victorian masculinity and paternal authority—the father's dramatic posturing contrasts with his ultimate capitulation. The exaggerated art style emphasizes the emotional theatricality of upper-class family confrontation, likely mocking both generational conflict and bourgeois anxieties about propriety and inheritance.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
et aad H f id E| | edd My Papa toes to Mother's door) t was nothing—the wind, perhaps. I'm going to close your door now. The light may be keeping you awake! (He closes her door, then wheels about and listens in a tense manner. The tapping is repeated. He crosses to center door und quickly opens it. A man muffied in overcoat and hat pulled down over his face sneaks in and closes door softly and hurriedly.) (Grabs him and pulls him to the light. The man’s hat falls off) Father! (He embraces him. His father is limp. Takes him toward a chair and gently lets him down in it) Where have you been? What has happened? Don’t speak so loud— Mother is ill. This has nearly killed her! Oh, what has happened? You look terrible! S| , for heaven's sake! Popp—(Covering his face with his hands and shaking his head) Ws awful, sont Georce—Tell me—you can tell me anything! Popp—Your mother—will never forgive me—nor you son! Georce—(Dropping to his knees beside his father) Dad! How can you say such things? No matter what you've done, you are my father! Haven't I always made you feel that I was your friend as well as your son? No! No matter what a father has done. his son is the one for him to come to. If I haven't JAMES MoTDNERY TAGS A Feton!” made you feel that, then [ have failed utterly as a son! Tell me— no matter how terrible it is! Popp—I cannot. I don’t know why I came back! better go. (He makes a movement as though to rise.) Grorce— (Presses him back’ No! Popp— It was my love for Mother and you. [had to come! Let me look in at Mother. I won't stay! I just want to see her. Georce—Of course, Dad! But wait till morning. has dropped off to sleep, and she is Popp— Yes, yes, of course! I’m a selfish beast! I'll go— She No, your place is here! This is your home— yours— (He waves his arm) All yours— your hearth— your table your income tax—and everything is yours! Now tell me— it has nearly broken our hearts, this disappearance of yours. No matter what it is— no matter how terrible you think it is— tell me! We will forgive you—come! Popp -(Again sinking his head in his hands) am abased! I am unfit! I am an object of scorn! Georce—What is it? Have you committed some crime— murder? No, no! I comichooks.