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Cartoon, Hercules Tearing Theseus from the Rock
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Cartoon, Hercules Tearing Theseus from the Rock
Cartoon, Hercules Tearing Theseus from the Rock to which he had grown -- a satirical comment on Sir Robert Peels intention to oust the Whig government under Lord Melbourne (represented here by Lord John Russell) and win power for his own Conservative party. Date: 1841
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Media ID 23358454
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1841 Comment Conflicts Conservative Liberal Minister Opposition Parliament Satire Satirical Tory Whig
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Hercules Tearing Theseus from the Rock: A Satirical Commentary on the Political Struggles of the 1840s in Britain This intriguing cartoon, titled "Hercules Tearing Theseus from the Rock," was published in 1841 and offers a humorous yet insightful commentary on the political tensions and power struggles of the time. The image depicts the mythological figure of Hercules, a symbol of strength and determination, forcibly removing Lord John Russell, then Leader of the Liberal Whig Party, from the rock on which he had clung, representing his tenacious hold on power under Lord Melbourne's Whig government. The background of this satirical print lies in the political climate of the early 1840s in Britain. Sir Robert Peel, the Conservative Party leader, was intent on ousting the Whig government and seizing power for his own party. Peel, depicted as Hercules in this cartoon, was determined to bring about change and was not afraid to use force to achieve his goals. The cartoon's title plays on the mythological story of Hercules and Theseus, where Hercules is tasked with tearing Theseus from the rock to prove his strength. In this political context, Hercules represents Peel and his Conservative Party, while Theseus symbolizes the Whig government under Lord Melbourne, represented here by Lord John Russell. The cartoon suggests that Peel's efforts to remove the Whig government are not only necessary but also justified, as the Whigs have become stagnant and ineffective in their rule. This cartoon is a testament to the power of satire in political discourse during the 19th century. It offers a humorous yet insightful commentary on the political conflicts and power struggles of the time, reflecting the shifting tides of power and the determination of political leaders to shape the future of their country.
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