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Introduction

The following cartoon comments on the movement's struggle to convince members of Parliament to pass women's suffrage legislation. Sisyphus was the figure in classical Greek mythology condemned to spend his life pushing a boulder up the same mountain.

Questions to Consider

• What is the meaning of defining women's suffrage as Sisyphus's boulder?

• Why does the caption end with, "he was only a man?"

Document

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Caption:
Excelsior!
Suffragist: "It's no good talking to me about Sisyphus; he was only a man!"

Source:
"Excelsior!" Punch (13 Jul 1910): 21.

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