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Omar the Optimist by Bruce Bairnsfather
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Omar the Optimist by Bruce Bairnsfather
Omar the Optimist " Here with a loaf of bread beneath the row, A muttered curse, but ne er a whine, and thou- Beside me, singing in the wilderness, The wilderness is Paradise enow." Acartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander Date: 1916
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Media ID 14141591
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bill Bruce Omar Optimism Optimist Poem Poetry
Omar the Optimist
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a beloved and iconic cartoon character created by British satirical artist, Bruce Bairnsfather, during the tumultuous period of World War I. This particular image, published in The Bystander magazine in 1916, depicts Omar, a soldier, sitting on the ground with a loaf of bread in the midst of a desolate and barren landscape. The wilderness around him seems inhospitable, yet Omar's face is filled with a quiet determination and unwavering optimism. The verse inscribed beneath the image, "Here with a loaf of bread beneath the row, A muttered curse, but ne'er a whine, and thou- Beside me, singing in the wilderness, The wilderness is Paradise enow," further emphasizes Omar's resilient spirit. This poem, often attributed to Robert Browning, speaks of finding beauty and peace in even the most challenging circumstances. Bairnsfather's cartoons, filled with wit and humor, provided a much-needed respite for the British public during the Great War. Omar, with his unyielding optimism, became a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the human spirit's ability to find joy and meaning in the most unexpected places. Bruce Bairnsfather, a veteran himself, drew upon his own experiences in the trenches to create these satirical and insightful works of art. "Omar the Optimist" remains a testament to the enduring power of humor and the indomitable human spirit, even in the most trying of times. The image of Omar, with his simple pleasures and unwavering optimism, continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
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