Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Evolution, Darwinism, Human Species, Human Development, Animal Behaviour, Race

    Referring to the simian ancestry of man claimed by supporters of Charles R Darwin's theory of evolution, this illustration reverses the role of humans and their subaltern ancestors. It shows a gorilla, smartly dressed in evening wear, standing in the hallway of a house in which a reception is taking place. The flunkey who has opened the door to the gorilla is 'Alarmed' and stammers 'MR. G G-G-O-O-O-RILLA!'. The 'O-RILLA' may also refer to Punch's identification of Irish people as a race exhibiting simian and atavistic qualities.