Romantic Circles

Significance

The illustrations of Life in London are considered to be the first important “non-caricature work” of George Cruikshank (J. Wardroper Caricatures 19). As such, it is the beginning of George Cruikshank’s turn from political caricature and his first success in “depicting the drama and drollery of contemporary life in a style that was not caricature but was derived from it” (J. Wardroper Caricatures 102). Contemporary and modern day critics debate that the characters of Tom, Jerry, and Logic are based upon Robert and George Cruikshank and Pierce Egan, the sporting journalist. Moreover, Robert Cruikshank allegedly was the originator of the concept and story. The speculations regarding the inspirations for Tom and Jerry are based on the fact that the Cruikshanks enjoyed the “company of pugilists, journalists, jolly tars, gamblers, Grub Street hacks, Bacchanalians, and actors” (R.L. Patten “GC” DNB). Egan’s story and the accompanying illustrations by the Cruikshanks (it is noted that Robert was mainly responsible for them) quickly became an enormously popular success. It was published in monthly installments then as a book. The story was set to music, dramatized in more than a dozen stage versions. George Cruikshank even joined in the fray, collaborating with Egan in mounting at the Aldephi Theatre The New Pedestrian-Equestrian Extravaganza and Operatic Burletta, in Three Acts of Gaiety, Frisk, Lark and Patter, called Tom and Jerry, or Life in London (J. Wardroper Caricatures 19). George and Robert Cruikshank designed and painted the scenery, as well as contributing a color plate of the pony race which was ran by real ponies on stage when the songs were published (J. Wardroper Caricatures 19). Life in London was also quickly pirated: “the first pirated edition, by Catnach, was apparently on the streets within twelve hours of the original” (W. Feaver GC 11). Moreover, Tom and Jerry became bywords in London society where tailors advertised “Corinthian” and “Tom and Jerry” patterns. Their images also appeared on tea trays, snuff boxes, fans, and screens (M.D. George Catalogue X.14320). Tom and Jerry decide to take in the entertainment of the London theater, and it is highly significant that their night on the town includes at stop at the saloon of Covent Garden rather than in the theater house itself. Tom and Jerry arrive at the saloon after having been at Drury Lane Theater where “the performances did not operate on their feelings as a source of attraction” (P. Egan Life 172). Thus, they do not watch but rather “took a glimpse at the play, but as they did not go for any thing like criticism on the abilities of the actors, or to descant upon the merits of the pieces, it was merely a glimpse indeed” (P. Egan Life 172). This singular, negligent glimpse that Tom and Jerry give to the stage is starkly contrasted by the attention they direct to the boxes and galleries of the house. Their aim is not to watch the spectacle but to watch society in searching for acquaintances among the spectators. Thus, like Dr. Syntax, Tom and Jerry are engaged in errant spectatorship, though arguably one that was not only socially acceptable but also fashionable. Finding no acquaintances and no interest in the play, Tom proposes a change of venue to Covent Garden where they find entertainment in the saloon, never making it to the house. At the saloon, Tom and Jerry are accosted by “gay Cyprians,” courtesans, who berate and welcome Tom back after a long absence from Covent Garden. Jerry is impressed by the sight and all that goes on. Building up the spectacle of the saloon, Tom points out various society figures and explain their history such as an old S-shaped man who is a fallen fashion icon (the notably old gentleman in front of the stairs in the illustration) and a tall thin man (most likely the man in black on the left) who preferred Slaveys, servant girls. Implicit in this episode of looking and its accompanying illustration with its staircase is the notion that Rowlandson made famous in his Exhibition, Stare Case: that the theater like the exhibition is an occasion for looking at and being looked at in society. By locating the spectacle of society outside the theater house and in its saloon, Egan’s text and the Cruikshanks’ illustration legitimizes and celebrates Tom and Jerry’s errant viewing practices.