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Cartoon, The tall story, WW1
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Cartoon, The tall story, WW1
Cartoon, The tall story. Showing a rumour circulating, from two men at the top of the Eiffel Tower down to two women at the foot of a staircase. One woman says the information came from someone high up. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14240622
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Baionnette Bottle Brush Bucket Circulating Circulation Civilian Civilians Cloth Communication Duck Ducks Eiffel False Hoax Idiom Information Keys Lamp Landing Paint Rumour Satire Satirical Scrubbing Staircase Stairs Sweeping Tall Whisper Whispering Canard
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Tall Story: A WWI-Era Cartoon Revealing the Power of Rumors (1916) This cartoon, titled "The Tall Story," offers a humorous yet insightful commentary on the power of rumors during the tumultuous times of World War I. The image, set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, depicts two men at the tower's pinnacle engaged in a hushed conversation. The information they share is then whispered down the staircase to two women at the foot, who are equally intrigued. The idiomatic phrase "it's a tall story" is derived from this cartoon, which was first published in 1916. The term "canard" in French, meaning "duck," was used during this era to refer to a hoax or false rumor. In this context, the cartoon satirically illustrates the way misinformation spreads, much like a tall tale or a duck waddling along, passing on the falsehood from one person to another. The scene is filled with intriguing details, such as the men at the top using a paintbrush and pot to create their tall tale, while the women at the bottom are seen sweeping, scrubbing, and carrying a bucket and cloth. A dog and cat peek curiously from a nearby window, while a lamp illuminates the staircase landing. The overall composition conveys a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the women eagerly await the juicy details of the rumor that has reached them from someone 'high up.' This cartoon serves as a reminder of the enduring power of communication and the importance of verifying information, especially during times of war and uncertainty.
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