"The Assassination of the Sage of Ashland" (1848)
Answer the following questions based upon the cartoon and video excerpt below.
This political cartoon is modeled after a famous historic event, the assassination of Julius Caesar by members of the Roman Senate, including some senators that had been quite loyal to Caesar. Watch the video on the right to remind yourself about the circumstances and people involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Then click on this link from the Library of Congress to learn more about the figures in the Clay cartoon.
Answer the following questions based upon the cartoon, the video, and your knowledge of 1840s politics.
1. Who is "the Sage of Ashland"? Why does he have this particular name?
2. What particular event is the "assassination" referring to?
3. What specific opinion does the artist have regarding this event? How do you know this?
4. Do you think that the comparison of the events in the cartoon and the murder of Julius Caesar holds up? Why or why not?
5. Why do you think that Abraham Lincoln was not included as one of the figures in this cartoon?
2. What particular event is the "assassination" referring to?
3. What specific opinion does the artist have regarding this event? How do you know this?
4. Do you think that the comparison of the events in the cartoon and the murder of Julius Caesar holds up? Why or why not?
5. Why do you think that Abraham Lincoln was not included as one of the figures in this cartoon?