Temperance Movement Cartoons
The Drunkard's Progress from Once in a while to Binge Drinker by Nathaniel Currier in support of the temperance movement.
In this picture, the man in the middle has reached the state of insanity or unconsciousness. Around him, there are numerous diabolical and fantasy creatures, symbolizing the bizarre relation between alcohol and evilness. The man has temporarily left the world into another, seeing things that others don't. If he were to continue to consume alcohol in large proportions, he soon, will permanently leave the world.
The picture portrays one of the social issues of America during the nineteenth century, regarding the debate over alcohol consumption. In the picture, the people are subject to vote for whether or not the country should be 'wet' or 'dry', meaning whether or not alcohol consumption is to be made legal. The left side of the picture portrays an overweight businessmen who seems deceptive and is symbolizing the iniquity of liquor sellers. On the other side, there is a mother with three children, and the look on her face already expresses everything. She is one of the victims of intemperance. The passion and sympathy for mothers that are affected by drunken men is portrayed through this picture, and alcohol is directly associated with something that is abominable.
