The arrest of "Boss Tweed"—another good joke. The Shadow of Justice. "I'll make some of you cry yet." "Sheriff Brennan merely nodded to Mr. Tweed, bade him 'Good-day,' and laying his hand tenderly on his shoulder, said laughingly, 'You're my man!' It seemed like a deliciously cool joke, and judging from the faces, it was. —New York Tribune." In a paragraph, interpret the message of this Thomas Nast political cartoon, which shows Boss Tweed laughing as he is being arrested while the Shadow of Justice looks on. Be sure to read the captions carefully and consider what each character in the cartoon might represent. In particular, what is suggested by the words of Sheriff Brennan and the Shadow of Justice?

Answer 1

This Thomas Nast political cartoon depicts Boss Tweed, a corrupt political figure, being arrested while laughing, with the Shadow of Justice watching over the scene. The cartoon's message is evident through the captions and imagery. Boss Tweed is shown laughing, indicating his dismissive attitude towards the charges against him and his confidence in his ability to evade justice. This arrogance is further emphasized by the caption that reads, "I'll make some of you cry yet," suggesting Tweed's belief that he can still exert influence and cause harm despite his arrest. On the other hand, the Sheriff Brennan's words, "You're my man!" are sarcastic and playful, suggesting that the arrest is nothing more than a charade. This implies that the sheriff is complicit in Tweed's corrupt actions, allowing him to operate with impunity. Lastly, the Shadow of Justice symbolizes the hope for fairness and accountability. However, its appearance in the background suggests its powerlessness in the face of Tweed's influential political network. Overall, the cartoon conveys the idea that despite the arrest, corruption and injustice continue to prevail in the political system.