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Cartoon, Prosperous John! (high prices)
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Cartoon, Prosperous John! (high prices)
Cartoon, Prosperous John! John Bull, during an inflationary period, is overcome by high prices and high taxes, and not enjoying it one bit.
1872
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Media ID 23361556
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1872 Bull Coal Coalman Comment Economic Economy Finance Financial Fuel Inflation Overcome Prices Prosperous Punch Satire Satirical Taxes Tenniel Taxman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Prosperous John!: A Victorian-era Satire on Inflation and High Prices by John Tenniel This thought-provoking cartoon, titled "Prosperous John!", was published in Punch Magazine in 1872, during an era of significant economic instability and rising prices in Britain. The image depicts a disgruntled John Bull, the symbolic personification of England, being weighed down by an assortment of heavy burdens. These burdens represent the high prices and taxes that were becoming increasingly burdensome for the average British citizen during this inflationary period. John Bull's expression of frustration and despair is evident as he struggles under the weight of these burdens. The coalman, holding a sack of coal, represents the ever-rising cost of fuel, while the taxman, with his outstretched hand, symbolizes the heavy taxation that was a significant source of financial strain for many. The women in the background, dressed in extravagant clothing, serve as a reminder of the high cost of living, with their expensive dresses and hats. The cartoon's satirical commentary on the economic challenges facing Victorian Britain during this time is both insightful and poignant. The high prices and taxes depicted in the image were a source of widespread concern and frustration for the public, and this cartoon serves as a powerful reminder of the economic struggles that shaped the lives of many during this period. John Tenniel's masterful use of visual storytelling and satire in this cartoon continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a unique perspective on the social, political, and economic climate of the Victorian era. This image is a valuable historical record of a significant moment in British history and a testament to the enduring power of satire as a means of commenting on the issues of the day.
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