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Cartoon, The Live Shell (Gladstone and Salisbury)
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Cartoon, The Live Shell (Gladstone and Salisbury)
Cartoon, The Live Shell (Which of em will throw it overboard?) William Gladstone and Lord Salisbury depicted as sailors, with the Irish question about to explode on the deck of their ship. Date: 1886
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Media ID 20149035
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1886 Analogy Bomb Danger Dangerous Deck Explode Gladstone Issue Live Overboard Politicians Problem Question Sailor Sailors Salisbury Satire Satirical Shell Throw
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The Live Shell: A Dangerous Moment in British Politics (1886) This satirical cartoon, titled "The Live Shell: Which of em will throw it overboard?" depicts two prominent Victorian-era British politicians, William Gladstone and Lord Salisbury, as sailors on the deck of a ship. The ominous title refers to the Irish Question, a volatile political issue that threatened to explode and potentially sink the British government. Gladstone, wearing a red cap and holding a shovel, is shown with a determined expression, while Salisbury, wearing a blue cap and holding a bucket, looks anxious. A live bomb, labeled "Irish Question," lies between them, ready to ignite at any moment. The tension between the two men is palpable, as they both consider their options: should one of them throw the bomb overboard to avoid the impending danger, or risk keeping it on board and dealing with the consequences? The cartoon is a powerful analogy for the political situation in Britain during the late 1880s. The Irish Question, which centered around the Home Rule movement and the desire for Irish self-governance, was a contentious issue that had the potential to cause significant unrest and even violence. The cartoon highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the situation, as well as the pressure and responsibility that Gladstone and Salisbury, as politicians, faced in dealing with it. The Live Shell is a prime example of the satirical and humorous commentary that was common in Victorian-era political cartoons. It provides a unique perspective on the political climate of the time, and serves as a reminder of the complex and often volatile nature of political issues, even in the most stable of nations.
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