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The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men, by Bairnsfather
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The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men, by Bairnsfather
The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men -
Old Bill had thought of a splendid idea for the next battle, and, frankly, was rather hurt when a Staff Officer condemned it
A cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander
1918
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Media ID 14185231
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Best Bruce Laid Schemes Staff
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men" is a classic and humorous cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander magazine in October 1918 during the First World War. The image depicts a dejected soldier named Old Bill, sitting on the ground with a thoughtful expression on his face, holding a map and a pencil. A staff officer stands behind him, looking down on Old Bill's plans with disdain, shaking his head and pointing to the map. Old Bill wears a helmet, and both he and the staff officer are dressed in the uniforms of the British army. The title of the cartoon is a reference to a line from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse," which reads "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley," meaning that even the best-laid plans can go awry. This theme resonated with soldiers during the chaos and unpredictability of the First World War. Bairnsfather, a British soldier and cartoonist, gained fame for his satirical and humorous depictions of life in the trenches. His cartoons often poked fun at the absurdities and frustrations of military life, providing a much-needed morale boost for soldiers and civilians alike. This particular cartoon highlights the frustration that soldiers must have felt when their ideas and plans were dismissed by higher-ranking officers. Despite the setback, Old Bill remains determined, holding onto his map and pencil, ready to try again. The image is a poignant reminder of the challenges and complexities of war, as well as the resilience and determination of those who served during that time. It is a valuable historical artifact that offers insight into the experiences and perspectives of soldiers during the First World War.
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