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Comic caricature in a lunatic asylum by Phil May
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Comic caricature in a lunatic asylum by Phil May
Dottieville Lunatic Asylum Visitor to the Asylum - " Is that Clock Right?" The Dotty One - " O course it ain, or it wouldn t be here." Date: 1900
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Media ID 11574939
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Asylum Character Clock Crazed Crazy Daft Insane Insanity Institution Joke Literal Lunatic Lunatics Madness Meaning Mental Phil Pointing Points Psychiatric Silly Study Visitor Wild Witty Words Craziness Dotty Sanity Silliness
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Phil May's Comic Caricature: "Is that Clock Right?" - The Dotty One - "O course it ain't, or it wouldn't be here." (Dottieville Lunatic Asylum, 1900) This print by Phil May, titled "Is that Clock Right?" depicts a humorous scene inside Dottieville Lunatic Asylum. The image features two characters: a visitor, dressed in fashionable attire, and a patient, referred to as "The Dotty One." The visitor, with a puzzled expression, points to a clock on the wall, questioning its accuracy. The patient, with a wild, crazed look in his eyes, confidently asserts, "O course it ain't, or it wouldn't be here." May's masterful use of exaggerated features and caricatured expressions adds to the overall sense of madness and insanity within the asylum walls. The patient's oversized ears, bulging eyes, and disheveled appearance contrast sharply with the visitor's neat and orderly appearance, highlighting the stark divide between sanity and insanity. The use of pun and wordplay in the dialogue adds an extra layer of humor to the scene. The visitor's question about the clock's accuracy is met with the patient's literal interpretation, further emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. This print offers a glimpse into the historical context of psychiatric hospitals and the perception of mental illness during the late 19th century. The image challenges societal norms and offers a playful, humorous take on the often stigmatized and misunderstood world of the insane asylum. May's work, with its witty and wild sense of humor, continues to captivate audiences and provide a unique perspective on the past. This print is a testament to the power of humor to transcend time and bring a sense of joy and lightness to even the most serious of subjects.
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