Question

This political cartoon was drawn in 1889 at the height of the "Gilded Age." Explain the purpose & symbolism of the cartoon. The Cartoon is "The Bosses of the Senate".

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

"The Bosses of the Senate" was a political/satirical cartoon that was drawn by Joseph Keppler.

The purpose of the cartoon was to show how the wealthy monopolists or rich businessmen controlled the Senate in order to gain more power and money. During the "Gilded Age," political issues arose, such as the interest given to businessmen regarding tariff and business policies. Through the Senate, they were supported through their tariffs and were given business policies that were friendly.

The cartoon portrays many symbols. The entrances to the Senate in the picture were two: the "People's Entrance" and the "Monopolists' Entrance." The monopolists' entrance was widely-opened and proximal, while the people's entrance was closed and distal. This clearly shows how the monopolists can immediately gain an easy access to the Senate, while the people cannot do anything. The fat people at the back represents the monopolists (who are considered the bosses of the Senate), while the smaller people in front represents the Senate. Their fat body is a representation of greediness and their being at the immediate back of the Senate, represents their control over the Senate. This means that the monopolists during the Gilded Age had an easier influence when it comes to the policies regarding their businesses.