Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, September 6, 1890

In Short

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, September 6, 1890, is a satirical periodical that offers a humorous and critical look at Victorian society, politics, and culture. This issue features a variety of content, including essays, poems, and illustrations, all aimed at entertaining and provoking thought among its readers. Topics range from the role of daughters in society to the absurdities of electioneering, with a particular focus on the quirks and foibles of the upper classes. The publication also includes lighter fare, such as nursery rhymes and prize epitaphs, adding to its eclectic charm.

The Story

The issue begins with a satirical essay on the role of daughters in Victorian society, particularly the "Undomestic Daughter" who seeks to break free from traditional expectations. This daughter, instead of being a "comfort" to her mother or inexpensive to her father, aspires to independence and useful work, often to the dismay of her family. The essay humorously traces her journey from domestic discontent to charitable endeavors, and eventually to marriage and the founding of a new religion, all while highlighting the tensions between personal ambition and societal norms.

A nursery rhyme, rewritten in a trade union version, follows, offering a playful take on labor relations. The Waterloo Monument at Brussels is humorously commemorated with the motto, "For Evère and for Evère!" and a prize epitaph contest for Prince Bismarck is announced, complete with witty submissions from readers.

The "Damsels of Dieppe" is a whimsical poem about a young man's adventures in Dieppe, where he is charmed by the local women but ultimately fails to win their hearts due to his seasickness and dyspepsia. The poem is filled with puns and wordplay, typical of Punch's style.

Mr. Punch's Dictionary of Phrases provides satirical definitions for electioneering and smoking room conversations, exposing the empty rhetoric and pretensions of politicians and socialites. A journal entry by a rolling stone tutor offers a comedic account of his misadventures with a family of unruly children, culminating in his abrupt dismissal.

The issue also includes a satirical piece on the absurdities of train travel, a lament by a would-be linguist who finds his conversation book useless, and a critique of a play called The Deacon, which the reviewer finds lacking in originality.

A humorous poem about the new stocking, inspired by a Treasury announcement, follows, along with a satirical piece on the Emperor of Austria's travels and the hunting of the Snark, a modern nautical version of Lewis Carroll's poem.

The issue concludes with a picturesque description of London's sky-signs, a prophetic column by Mr. Punch's own prophet, a review of a comic opera, and various jots and titles, including a notice about rejected communications.

How It Unfolds

The Undomestic Daughter: A satirical essay on the role of daughters in Victorian society, focusing on the "Undomestic Daughter" who seeks independence and useful work, often to the dismay of her family. Nursery Rhyme: A trade union version of a traditional nursery rhyme, offering a playful take on labor relations. Waterloo Monument and Prize Epitaph: A humorous commemoration of the Waterloo Monument and a prize epitaph contest for Prince Bismarck. The Damsels of Dieppe: A whimsical poem about a young man's adventures in Dieppe, filled with puns and wordplay. Mr. Punch's Dictionary of Phrases: Satirical definitions for electioneering and smoking room conversations. Journal of a Rolling Stone: A comedic account of a tutor's misadventures with a family of unruly children. Tricks Upon Travellers: A satirical piece on the absurdities of train travel. Misled by a Manual: A lament by a would-be linguist who finds his conversation book useless. The Deacon: A critique of a play lacking in originality. The New Stocking: A humorous poem inspired by a Treasury announcement. Another Victim: A satirical piece on the Emperor of Austria's travels. The Hunting of the Snark: A modern nautical version of Lewis Carroll's poem. Picturesque London: A description of London's sky-signs. In the Know: A prophetic column by Mr. Punch's own prophet. From the French—and the English: A review of a comic opera. Jots and Titles: Various miscellaneous items, including a notice about rejected communications.

The People

The Undomestic Daughter: A young woman who seeks independence and useful work, often clashing with her family's expectations. The Parents: Traditional figures who expect their daughter to be a comfort and inexpensive, and are often frustrated by her ambitions. The Brothers: Expect their sister to be submissive and helpful, but are occasionally charmed by her efforts to assist them in their scrapes. The Lay-Preacher: A charismatic figure who wins the heart of the Undomestic Daughter and helps her found a new religion. Lionel: A young man whose adventures in Dieppe are marred by seasickness and dyspepsia, yet he remains charming to the local women. The Damsels of Dieppe: The charming and flirtatious women of Dieppe who are captivated by Lionel despite his ailments. The Rolling Stone Tutor: A private tutor who endures the antics of unruly children and is ultimately dismissed due to a misunderstanding. The Bristol Merchant: The tutor's employer, who mistakenly believes the tutor has been engaged by the President and later dismisses him. The Prophet: Mr. Punch's own prophet, who offers satirical commentary on various topics, from the Prix Montyon to the St. Leger.

In Its Own Voice

The Undomestic Daughter thus acquires the conviction that she herself is the most miserably crushed member of a down-trodden sex.

This line from the essay on the Undomestic Daughter captures her sense of alienation and her belief in her own unique suffering.

"Here lies BISMARCK-- / He made his mark."

A submission to the prize epitaph contest, offering a concise and witty summary of Prince Bismarck's legacy.

As bees will swarm around a hive, the maids of La belle France / Went mad about our LIONEL and thirsted for his glance;

A line from "The Damsels of Dieppe," illustrating the poem's playful and romantic tone.

"I remember, years ago, I used to take exactly the same view myself;" i.e., "But, unlike you, I have made some use of my opportunities and experience since then."

A definition from Mr. Punch's Dictionary of Phrases, exposing the pretensions of smoking room conversations.

What It's Really About

At its core, this issue of Punch is about the tensions between individual aspirations and societal expectations, particularly within the context of Victorian England. The Undomestic Daughter's struggle for independence, Lionel's adventures in Dieppe, and the satirical definitions of electioneering phrases all highlight the constraints imposed by social norms and the ways in which individuals navigate or resist them. The publication also critiques the absurdities of upper-class life, from the pretensions of smoking room conversations to the follies of train travel, offering a humorous yet sharp commentary on the era's social and political landscape.

Why Read It Today

Reading Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, September 6, 1890, offers a delightful glimpse into the humor and satire of Victorian England. The publication's witty commentary on society, politics, and culture remains relevant, as many of the issues it addresses—such as gender roles, class pretensions, and the absurdities of travel—continue to resonate today. The eclectic mix of essays, poems, and illustrations provides a rich and entertaining reading experience, while the satirical tone invites readers to reflect on their own society and its quirks.

For those interested in Victorian literature and culture, Punch is a treasure trove of insights into the era's social norms and values. The publication's humor is often subtle and requires a familiarity with the period's context, but the rewards for readers willing to engage with it are significant. The issue's lighter fare, such as the nursery rhyme and prize epitaph contest, adds to its charm and makes it accessible to a wide audience.

However, readers should be prepared for the period's attitudes and language, which may include stereotypes and biases that reflect the era's social norms. The dense, satirical style may also be challenging for some, but the publication's humor and intelligence make it a rewarding read for those who appreciate wit and wordplay.