Puck, 1879-06-25 · page 5 of 16
Puck — June 25, 1879 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical comic strip from *Puck* depicts Mr. O'Flaherty, an Irish character (identifiable by the name and stereotype caricature), progressively suffering consequences for excessive drinking. The narrative shows: his wife Mrs. Bridget O'Flaherty pursuing him after twenty drinks; him exceeding his "usual allowance of whiskey"; Mrs. O'Flaherty using a needle and thread as punishment while he sleeps; escalating violence as she attacks him with increasingly severe implements; and finally, his complete submission ("pleads for mercy" and "swears off"). The satire mocks Irish stereotypes regarding alcohol and domestic violence, presenting his renunciation of drinking as forced reform through spousal punishment rather than personal choice. The humor relies on period ethnic caricature conventions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
PUCK. WHY HE SWORE OFF. Mrs. Bridget O'Flaherty, who pursues the profession Mr. O'Flaherty does not become a Murphy man, and _ Mr. O'Flaherty, while enjoying the sleep of the drunk, of laundress, objects. to Jim, her spouse, thrashing her on this occasion has exceeded his usual allowance of is apparently duly prepared for marine interment by when he reaches home after sundry drinks of twenty- whiskey. Mrs. O'Flaherty makes a resolve. Mrs. O'F., who plies her needle and thread with vigor. eighth ward whiskey. She commences operations, Mr. O’F, pleads for mercy. He swears oft, comicbooks.com