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Comic postcard, Woman travelling in Paris - a helpful Frenchman Date: 20th century
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Comic postcard, Woman travelling in Paris - a helpful Frenchman Date: 20th century
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23461054
© The Donald McGill Archive Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Business Carry Donald Double Entendre Frenchman Frenchmen Helpful Language Madame Mcgill Meaning Mind Misunderstanding Offended Suitcase Toilet Traveller Travelling Verbal Waiting
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Classic Case of Misunderstood Helpfulness: A 20th Century Comic Postcard This delightful comic postcard captures the humorous and often confusing nature of language barriers, as experienced by a British traveler in Paris during the 20th century. The image shows a woman in a red dress, looking perplexed as she stands at a railway station with a large suitcase and an oversized, double-meaning sign in the background that reads "Wee Toilette, Ladies." As she waits for her train, a helpful Frenchman approaches, eager to lend a hand. With a friendly "Oui, Madame!" and a gesticulation towards the sign, he assumes the woman is asking for the ladies' room. However, the English traveler, Donald McGill, had a different intention in mind. In reality, she was asking for assistance in carrying her suitcase. The misunderstanding leads to a comical scene, with the Frenchman attempting to lift the suitcase towards the sign, much to the amusement of onlookers. The woman, now offended, shakes her head and rolls her eyes, while the Frenchman, oblivious to the misunderstanding, looks puzzled. This charming postcard, created by British illustrator Donald McGill, is a testament to the lighthearted and sometimes confusing interactions that can arise from language differences. It showcases the importance of clear communication and the power of humor to bridge cultural gaps.
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