Puck — July 16, 1879 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Page 291 The page contains three distinct sections: "Religious Colonization" (left cartoon), "Sat Upon" (center), and "Britain's Idols" (right). The **left cartoon** satirizes American religious groups establishing colonies, depicting what appears to be clergy and lay people promoting sectarian settlements—likely critiquing the era's utopian religious communities. The **center section** mocks wealthy industrialists like Vanderbilt and Aldermen, questioning their philanthropic motives and suggesting they exploit charitable boards for personal gain. The **right section** attacks British reverence for wealthy figures like John Bull (symbol of Britain itself), suggesting the nation ridicules its own aristocrats while fawning over American billionaires. The satire targets British hypocrisy regarding class deference and American wealth worship. Overall, the page critiques religious tribalism, corrupt philanthropy, and transatlantic class pretension.