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Cartoon, A Very Greasy Pole (John Bright)
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Cartoon, A Very Greasy Pole (John Bright)
Cartoon, A Very Greasy Pole -- satirical comment on John Brights efforts in promoting Reform, in particular an extension of the franchise to working men, the year after he became MP for Birmingham.
1859
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Media ID 23358516
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1850s 1859 Bill Birmingham Bright Comment Depiction Efforts Extension Franchise Greasy Issue Issues Liberal Manufacturing Pole Policy Politicians Power Progressive Promoting Reform Reforming Reformist Satire Satirical Speech Speeches Symbolic Symbolism
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A Very Greasy Pole - A Satirical Comment on John Bright's Reform Efforts (1859)
EDITORS COMMENTS
This satirical cartoon, titled "A Very Greasy Pole," was published in 1859, a year after John Bright became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham. The image offers a scathing commentary on Bright's relentless efforts to promote political reform, specifically the extension of the franchise to working men. Bright, depicted as a portly, determined figure, is shown attempting to climb a greasy pole, symbolizing the arduous journey towards political power and reform. The pole is surrounded by a chaotic scene of industrial manufacturing, with smokestacks belching out black clouds, and workers toiling away in the background. The greasy pole itself is slippery, representing the challenges and setbacks that Bright and other reformists faced in their quest for change. The cartoon's title, "A Very Greasy Pole," is a playful reference to the famous Pied Piper of Hamelin tale, where the piper leads the town's children away on a greasy pole. In this case, Bright is the piper, leading the working men towards the promise of political representation, but the pole is treacherous, and the climb is fraught with danger. The satirical nature of the cartoon underscores the political tensions of the time, as the Victorian era's industrial and political landscape underwent significant changes. The cartoonist's intent is to highlight the challenges and complexities of implementing reformist policies, while also poking fun at the politicians, like Bright, who championed these issues. Overall, "A Very Greasy Pole" is a fascinating glimpse into the political climate of 19th-century Britain, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of the reformist movement.
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