Eric, don’t feel bad; I don’t quite understand it, either! I think it’s funny, and I guess what strikes me that way is the contrast between Perkin’s comment, which seems alarming but rather formal, and his attire, which is fantastic and playful. It’s typical Thurber, where whimsy rules the day. I also suspect this is another one of his cartoons where he originally intended to draw something different and his lack of skill resulted in a surreal situation.
Jim's World and Welcome To It 
Feb 09, 2014 @ 19:58:58
I am not sure I entirely understand the story behind this cartoon. I was hoping you can help explain the comedic nature of the drawing.
Feb 09, 2014 @ 20:26:42
Eric, don’t feel bad; I don’t quite understand it, either! I think it’s funny, and I guess what strikes me that way is the contrast between Perkin’s comment, which seems alarming but rather formal, and his attire, which is fantastic and playful. It’s typical Thurber, where whimsy rules the day. I also suspect this is another one of his cartoons where he originally intended to draw something different and his lack of skill resulted in a surreal situation.