The arrest of "Boss Tweed"—another good joke.

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 Thomas Nast political cartoon depicts the arrest of Boss Tweed, a corrupt political figure, with a satirical twist. The cartoon conveys a message that although Boss Tweed may appear cheerful and unaffected by the arrest, justice is finally catching up to him. Boss Tweed's laughter represents his arrogance and belief that he is above the law. The words of Sheriff Brennan, who casually refers to Tweed as "my man," indicate the complacency and leniency that may exist within the justice system towards corrupt politicians like Tweed. However, the Shadow of Justice, observing the scene, suggests that even if Tweed seems untouched in the present moment, the consequences of his actions will eventually catch up to him, symbolizing the notion that justice cannot be evaded forever.