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Cartoon, Sonnet for Twelfth Night, WW1
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Cartoon, Sonnet for Twelfth Night, WW1
Cartoon, Sonnet for Twelfth Night. The Three Kings visit the baby Jesus, but their gifts are affected by wartime rationing. Instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they bring soap, butter, potatoes, and a bag of assorted stuff. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14352925
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Twelfth Night Confrontation of War and Peace: A WWI-era Cartoon Depiction of the Nativity This evocative cartoon, titled "Cartoon, Sonnet for Twelfth Night," offers a unique and poignant interpretation of the traditional Nativity scene, set against the backdrop of the First World War. Dated 1918, this image captures the juxtaposition of the joyous arrival of the baby Jesus and the harsh realities of wartime rationing. The Three Wise Men, or the Magi, make their journey to the stable in Bethlehem, led by the star of Bethlehem, as depicted in the Bible. However, their gifts for the newborn king have been altered by the exigencies of war. Instead of the traditional gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they present baby Jesus with humble offerings: soap, butter, potatoes, and a bag of assorted items. The symbolism of this scene is twofold – it highlights the hardships of wartime living while also emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the Christmas message. The men in this cartoon are dressed in uniforms, signifying their roles as soldiers, and the women, dressed in their best, represent the hope and resilience of the civilian population. The setting is reminiscent of the French countryside, with a quaint village in the background. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of humanity, even in the midst of the greatest conflicts. The cartoon's title, "Sonnet for Twelfth Night," alludes to the traditional English Christmas custom of exchanging gifts and merriment on the Twelfth Night. The image thus encapsulates the essence of the holiday season, with its themes of love, hope, and unity, even in the face of adversity.
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