Puck — March 6, 1878 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Magazine, March 6, 1878 This satirical cartoon illustrates "The Crime of the 28th of February, 1878"—likely referencing a significant political or criminal incident from that date. The image depicts three menacing figures in period costume standing over a prone body, suggesting either a murder or political assassination depicted as a crime. The title banner asks "What tools these Mortals be!"—a reference to Shakespeare's *The Tempest*, suggesting the perpetrators are mere instruments or puppets rather than autonomous actors. Without additional context identifying the specific historical event, figures, and political figures involved, the precise meaning remains unclear, though the composition indicates Puck was criticizing whoever committed or was responsible for this February 28th incident as morally culpable.