Use the political cartoon to answer the question

Question

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

The political cartoon by Thomas Nast conveys a powerful critique of the corruption within the political system of the time, particularly focusing on the figure of Boss Tweed, a notorious political boss in New York City. In the cartoon, Tweed’s laughter during his arrest symbolizes the blatant disregard for the law and the ease with which he was able to evade true justice, reflecting the widespread corruption that allowed him to thrive. The caption, which depicts Sheriff Brennan’s casual and almost jovial demeanor towards Tweed, suggests complicity and ineffectiveness within law enforcement, framing the arrest more as a farce than a legitimate attempt to uphold the law. The Shadow of Justice watching over the scene signifies the looming but elusive power of justice, hinting at its inability to properly address corruption. The phrase “I’ll make some of you cry yet” suggests that true justice is inevitable, but the amused reaction of Tweed and Brennan implies that the corrupt elite may continue to escape accountability in the meantime. Overall, the cartoon underscores the troubling relationship between law enforcement and corrupt officials, emphasizing the need for genuine reform in the pursuit of justice.