A complete issue · 18 pages · 1879
Puck — November 26, 1879
# Puck Magazine, November 26, 1879 This Puck cover features a political cartoon titled "He tells Me to be Thankful! What Cheek!" The image shows a figure (likely representing a working person or laborer) being confronted by what appear to be wealthy or powerful men emerging from a window or doorway. The shadowy figure holds what looks like a tool or implement, while the men inside appear to be mocking or taunting him. The satire critiques class tensions and labor conditions of the Gilded Age. The "fools these Mortals be!" header (quoting Shakespeare) suggests mockery of ordinary people being told to be grateful despite harsh circumstances. The cartoon likely attacks wealthy industrialists or politicians who dismiss workers' grievances while maintaining comfortable positions themselves—a common Puck theme during this economically turbulent period.
# Analysis of Puck Magazine Page 608 This page is primarily **text content rather than political cartoon**. It contains: 1. **"One Thanksgiving"** — A humorous short story about an old man gazing out a window, observing wealthy people at a Christmas party. The narrative voice follows his gaze through illuminated panes, describing a genteel gathering with decorations and holiday cheer. 2. **"Puckerings"** — A column of brief satirical commentary on contemporary topics, including references to turkey dinners, elections, judges, and social observations about Fulton Market butchers and pilot regulations. 3. **"Anomalies"** — Brief witty observations contrasting opposites (e.g., "The polished stove which warms your room / Is blackest when it's bright"). The page lacks identifiable political figures or specific dated events. It represents **Puck's satirical humor through wordplay and social commentary** rather than visual caricature.
# Puck Magazine Page 609 Analysis This page contains two distinct pieces: **"Puck's Pantheon No. VIII: Thomas Francis Bayard"** (left column) is a biographical profile praising Delaware Senator Bayard as honorable, principled, and Democratic. It contrasts him favorably with other politicians, noting he doesn't use profane language, chew tobacco, or engage in corrupt practices—positioning him as an exemplary statesman worthy of Democratic Party leadership. **"Fitznoodle in America No. CX"** (right) appears to be a serialized humor column featuring a character experiencing American military life and civic institutions. The piece satirizes volunteer soldiers, their uniforms, and bureaucratic inefficiency, with gentle mockery of American military organization and governmental processes. Both pieces reflect Puck's Democratic editorial stance of the period.
