The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch
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The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch or simply Mr. Punch is a graphic novel written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated and designed by Dave McKean. It was published in 1995.
[edit] Synopsis
The book follows the memories of the narrator, illustrating various experiences in his childhood: fishing on the beach; the grandparents; the hunchback uncle; betrayal; fear; a possible murder.
Alongside the general story follows the story of the Mr. Punch play. The narrator is first introduced to Mr. Punch when fishing with his grandfather, but encounters it during various other activities. The story of Mr. Punch, is that he kills his baby, then his wife, and the policeman who comes to arrest him. He convinces the hangman to be hung in his place, and at the play's end, he kills the devil.
Like many of Gaiman's works, a major theme in this graphic novel is memory.
[edit] Quotes
- Executioner: NOW, MISTER PUNCH, YOU ARE TO BE HUNG BY THE NECK UNTIL YOU ARE DEAD- DEAD- DEAD!
- Mr. Punch: WHAT, AM I TO DIE THREE TIMES?
- The path of memory is neither straight nor safe, and we travel down it at our own risk.
