Question

under the thumb
the boss—‘well, what are you going to do about it?’
who’s thumb is in the picture and what does mean to be under it? (hint: use the information from your cartoon analysis)

Explanation:

This cartoon likely depicts "Boss" Tweed's thumb (from Tammany Hall, a political machine in 19th - century New York). To be "under his thumb" means being under the political control or influence of Tweed and his corrupt political organization. The cartoon uses the giant thumb over a city (likely New York - area, with “JERSEY” maybe referring to New Jersey in the region) to symbolize the oppressive, controlling power of Tweed’s political machine over the local area, including aspects like governance, business, and daily life, as his machine was known for corruption, rigging elections, and controlling city affairs for personal gain.

Answer:

The thumb in the picture is likely “Boss” Tweed’s (William Magear Tweed, leader of New York’s Tammany Hall political machine). To be “under his thumb” means being under the corrupt political control/influence of Tweed’s organization, subject to its oppressive, self - serving governance (e.g., rigged elections, misappropriation of public funds, and control over local affairs for personal gain).