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The picture of Mark Tapley (right), the door of the New York Rowdy Journal, and the liberated slave Cicero (left) complements the first plate for monthly instalment seven, which shows the journal's "war correspondent," Jefferson Brick (centre), the journal's editor, Colonel Diver (left), and their 'European' guest, Martin (right). True to his Christian name, Mr. Tapley has made his "mark" upon the scandal-sheet's portal, having emblazoned not merely his initials (as in the letterpress) but his full name in ornate calligraphy, as if the office has now become his. The moment that Phiz has realized is this: Having decorated the "Rowdy Journal" door with his own initials, he was whistling "Rule Britannia" for the gratification of a black man who stared intently at him. (Ch. 17)

Related Material

• The American Plates, Parts Seven and Nine: Appearance Versus Reality, Expectation versus Fulfillment

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Last modified 20 May 2007