The Poor Helping the Poor

The Poor Helping the Poor

Frederick Walker

Wood engraving by Joseph Swain

6 x 4½ inches

W. M. Thackeray,Philip, serialized in The Cornhill Magazine, 4 (January 1862): facing 1.

Another scene depicting the difficulties of Philip’s journey through life as he accepts financial assistance. The disorder of the room, with papers and books spilling over the floor, suggests the mismanagement of his editorial job; his ill-kept hair and beard also imply his inner tension and anxiety. Walker’s grim journalism underscores the negative tone of his far from golden progress.

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke.

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