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The Optimist & the Pessimist by George Belcher, WW1
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The Optimist & the Pessimist by George Belcher, WW1
The Small One: They seem to think the war will be over very soon now, Mrs Arris The Ohter: I shouldn t be surprised, Mrs. Green; twenty-five shillings a week and me usband away. I always said it was too good to last. A humorous comment on the separation allowance, awarded to wives of serving soldiers during the First World War. For many, the income was more than they were used to and there was widespread criticism that working class women spent their allowance on drink. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14143290
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Alcohol Allowance Belcher Classes Income Optimist Pessimist Pubs Separation Wives
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The Optimist & the Pessimist
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a humorous and thought-provoking cartoon by George Belcher, published in 1916 during the First World War. The image captures a conversation between two women, Mrs. Arris (the optimist) and Mrs. Green (the pessimist), in a pub setting. Mrs. Arris, with a hopeful expression and a glass of beer in hand, expresses her belief that the war will soon come to an end. Mrs. Green, with a frown and a cigarette in hand, voices her skepticism, commenting on the separation allowance that has provided her with more income than she was accustomed to before her husband went to the front. The cartoon is a poignant commentary on the impact of the war on working-class families and the criticism that some women spent their allowance on drink. The contrasting expressions and body language of the two women add to the humor and the historical significance of the image. The cartoon is a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by families during the war, and the resilience and humor that helped people cope with the hardships. The image is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the social and cultural context of the time, and a testament to the power of art to reflect and comment on the human experience.
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