Puck — July 30, 1879 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Magazine Page 323 This page contains two distinct pieces: **"Moses on Corbin"** (left): A satirical interview where the biblical prophet Moses comments on railroad magnate James C. Corbin's business practices. The humor relies on Moses's ancient wisdom confronting modern capitalist excess—Moses questions whether Corbin's wealth accumulation aligns with biblical principles, particularly regarding treatment of workers and the poor. The piece uses anachronistic humor by having Moses reference contemporary issues like "Shoos" (likely shanties or poor housing). **"Fitznoodle in America: XVIII—Yachting"** (right): A travel narrative where an English visitor recounts experiences with American yachting culture. The satire mocks both American materialism and the pretensions of wealthy leisure activities, contrasting European sophistication with American excess and social climbing. Both pieces employ Puck's characteristic approach: using outsider perspectives (ancient prophet, foreign visitor) to critique American society.