Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Classic Comic Strip
Bringing up Father is a classic comic strip that dates back to the early 20th century. The strip, which was created by cartoonist George McManus, was first published in 1913 and ran until 2000. It is one of the longest-running comic strips in history and remains popular to this day.
Origin of Bringing up Father
Bringing up Father was created by George McManus, who started working as a cartoonist when he was just 17 years old. McManus was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1884 and began his career working for various newspapers in the Midwest. He eventually moved to New York City, where he created Bringing up Father for the New York Journal. The strip quickly became popular and was eventually syndicated in newspapers throughout the United States and around the world.
Characters in the Comic Strip
The main characters in Bringing up Father are Jiggs and Maggie, a working-class couple from Ireland who become wealthy and move to the suburbs. Jiggs, who is a former boxer and loves to eat, is constantly getting himself into trouble with his antics. Maggie, who is more refined than her husband, is often exasperated by Jiggs’ behavior.
Meet the Dog in Bringing up Father
The dog in Bringing up Father is a small terrier who belongs to the family. The dog is always present in the background of the strip, but rarely plays a major role in the storylines.
The Dog’s Name and Role
The dog in Bringing up Father is never given a name, but is often referred to simply as "the dog." The dog’s role in the strip is largely symbolic, representing the family’s status as newly wealthy suburbanites.
Symbolic Importance of the Dog
The dog in Bringing up Father is symbolic of the family’s newfound wealth and status. The family’s move to the suburbs and acquisition of the dog is meant to show that they have become more refined and sophisticated.
Dog’s Interaction with Other Characters
The dog in Bringing up Father rarely interacts with the other characters in the strip. However, in some strips, the dog is shown barking at or chasing after Jiggs.
Perception of the Dog by Readers
The dog in Bringing up Father is not a particularly memorable character, and many readers may not even be aware of its presence in the strip. However, for those who do notice the dog, it serves as a subtle reminder of the family’s newfound wealth and status.
Legacy of the Dog in Popular Culture
The dog in Bringing up Father has not had a significant impact on popular culture, but the strip as a whole is considered a classic of the genre. It has influenced countless other comic strips and has been adapted into stage plays, radio shows, and television series.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Bringing up Father
Bringing up Father remains popular to this day, more than a century after it was first published. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters, humorous situations, and timeless themes. While the dog in Bringing up Father may not be a major character, it serves as a subtle reminder of the strip’s underlying message about the pursuit of wealth and status.