Teddy Roosevelt: Trust BusterC What does each "character" in the cartoon represent?
The bears in the front labeled "Good Trusts" and "Bad Trusts" represent the different corporations, both of which are in fear of Teddy's trust-crushing crusade. The Indiana Joneslooking character represents Teddy Roosevelt. The little bear represents the people who are relieved that the evil trusts are being defeated. D Why is TR dressed that way? Teddy Roosevelt loved hunting, and is therefore dressed as a hunter hunting bears. It represents his trust-hunting actions during his presidency. Also, Roosevelt, as president, would be expected to wear a fancy suit-and-tie wardrobe, or something of that sort. The lack of class in this outfit represents the lack of mercy Roosevelt had for the Bad Trusts. E What is the purpose of the bears being labeled different things? The bears' labels clearly illustrate what President Roosevelt was doing to the trusts, as well as the people, and how it made them all feel. It made it clear that Bad Trusts were defeated and Good Trusts, even though not crushed by Roosevelt, still feared him and as a result instigated reform. F What is the overall message of this cartoon? The cartoon shows how President Roosevelt handled the issues of trusts in his time. He was fed up with the greed and corruption of the Bad Trusts and impatiently but satisfyingly crushed them. The accomplished smirk on Roosevelt's face shows the satisfacion with his vanquishing of the trusts. The cartoon also shows that even the Good Trusts and the people were affected by the defeat of Bad Trusts. G BONUS What is up with the bears in the back? The bear in the back is incredibly happy, possibly representing the people who were being negatively affected by Bad Trusts, mainly the working class. They are reaping the benefits of the defeated Bad Trusts, which explains the bear's good mood. This little bear (the size probably representing the power and influence of the people) is carrying the slaughtered "Bad Trust" bears, as the common folk and Roosevelt enjoy the defeat of these evil corporations. |