Laocoon in the toils
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Laocoon in the toils
Laocoon in the toils. Illustration shows Uncle Sam as Laocoon with two men, one labeled Business and the other labeled Labor, entwined with snakes labeled Tariff Uncertainty, with the US Capitol in the background. Date 1911 October 11
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Media ID 7358188
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Laocoon in the Toils of Tariff Uncertainty: A 1911 Political Allegory from Puck Magazine This intriguing illustration, titled "Laocoon in the Toils," was published in Puck Magazine on October 11, 1911. The image presents an allegorical representation of the political turmoil surrounding the tariff issue in the United States at the time. The central figure is depicted as Uncle Sam, dressed in his iconic striped trousers and top hat, who assumes the role of Laocoon, the legendary Trojan priest from Greek mythology. Two figures, labeled "Business" and "Labor," are entwined around Uncle Sam, symbolizing the interconnectedness and conflict between these two powerful forces within American society. The snakes coiling around them represent the uncertainty and tension caused by tariff debates, which were a significant source of contention during this period. The US Capitol, a symbol of American democracy and political power, is visible in the background, emphasizing the importance of the tariff issue at the national level. This image was likely intended to provoke thought and discussion on the complexities of the tariff debates and their impact on American business and labor. The use of the Laocoon myth as a metaphor for the tariff issue is an intriguing choice, as the myth tells of the priest and his family being punished by the gods for their hubris in attempting to protect a sacred image from the sea god Neptune. In this context, the snakes symbolize the consequences of overreach or misguided actions, adding an additional layer of meaning to the image. Overall, this illustration from Puck Magazine offers a fascinating glimpse into the political discourse of the early 20th century and the complexities of the tariff issue, which continued to shape American economic and political landscapes for decades to come.
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