Puck — June 5, 1878 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Magazine, June 5, 1878 This cartoon, titled "The Opening of Pandora's Box," depicts a classical mythology reference applied to contemporary politics. A figure in formal dress (likely representing a political leader or the presidential office, as indicated by the "Re-opening of the Presidential Question" label) opens a box releasing chaos—represented by demons and troubled spirits emerging upward. The satire suggests that reopening a settled political question (possibly related to the 1878 elections or internal party disputes) will unleash unforeseen negative consequences. The classical allusion to Pandora's Box—where opening it released all human suffering—implies this political action is foolish and dangerous. The smaller figure on the right appears to observe the chaos with concern or resignation, emphasizing the gravity of the mistake.