Life under the Puritans, during the Commonwealth period in England, was marked by strict religious and moral codes. The Puritans, who were a religious group that sought to purify the Church of England, believed that the Church had strayed from its biblical foundations and sought to return it to its original principles.

During this time, the Puritans imposed strict codes of behavior and dress and discouraged activities such as dancing, theater, and other forms of entertainment that they deemed sinful. They also enforced strict laws against blasphemy, drunkenness, and other moral offenses. Much like today’s politically correct SJWs they banned fun, laughter and comedy.

Puritans placed a strong emphasis on education and literacy, and many schools and universities were established during this time. They also believed in the importance of hard work and were known for their emphasis on a strong work ethic.  However, levels of taxation were lowered, with income tax ending altogether after 1652. This period also brought about strengthened property rights alongside an enlargement of parliamentary power over government administration.

The Puritans also had a strong sense of community and were known for their close-knit congregations. They believed that the community should work together to ensure the moral and spiritual well-being of its members….just so long as no one laughed or dared make a joke.

Needless to say, the Puritan rule was not welcomed by everyone (anyone?) and many people resisted it, with some even being persecuted for their beliefs and individuality.  Like a prototypal Taliban, there were strict codes and laws that often resulted in punishment for even minor offenses.

• • • Blasphemy: Blasphemy, or speaking disrespectfully of God or religious figures, was considered a serious offense and could result in fines, imprisonment, or even execution.
    • Drunkenness: The Puritans believed that drunkenness was a sin, and they enforced strict laws against it. Punishments for drunkenness could include fines, imprisonment, or even public humiliation such as standing in the stocks.
    • Adultery: Adultery, or extramarital sexual relationships, was considered a serious moral offense and was punishable by death.
    • Fornication: Unmarried individuals engaging in sexual activity were punished as well, which could result in fines, imprisonment, or public humiliation.
    • Gambling: Gambling was considered a waste of time and money and was heavily punished.
    • Leisure activities: Activities such as dancing, theater, and other forms of entertainment were discouraged as they were deemed sinful. Punishments for engaging in these activities could include fines, imprisonment, or public humiliation.

It’s worth noting that the punishments for immoral behavior during this time were not always consistent or fair, and the interpretation and enforcement of these laws varied from place to place.

It was from this oppressive socio-political backdrop that politically incorrect comedies such as the Punch and Judy Show inevitably developed.

Punch and Judy shows typically feature a cast of characters including Punch, his wife Judy, their baby, the devil, a constable, and a hangman. The shows are known for their slapstick humor and exaggerated violence, with Punch frequently hitting other characters with a stick and getting away with murder.

Over time, the character of Punch has evolved, and different versions of the show have emerged in different countries. However, the basic format of the show, with its fast-paced dialogue and slapstick humor, has remained largely unchanged.

“That’s the way to do it!” – The Swazzle

The device used to create Punch’s characteristic high-pitched, nasal voice is called a “swazzle.” A swazzle is a small reed instrument that is placed in the puppeteer’s mouth, and when the puppeteer speaks through it, it creates Punch’s distinct voice. The swazzle is made from a small metal or wooden disk with a hole in the center, which the puppeteer holds in the mouth to create the sound. It’s not known how many puppeteers have choked to death from using a swazzle, but the ones you can buy these days come with an attached length of cord to help extract the device lest it be inhaled or swallowed.

The origins of the swazzle, the device used to create Punch’s characteristic high-pitched, nasal voice, are not well-documented.

It’s believed that the swazzle was first used by puppeteers who were performing Punch and Judy shows in England and Europe, as the show became increasingly popular in the 18th century. The swazzle is still used by many puppeteers performing Punch and Judy shows today, and it is considered an important part of the traditional Punch and Judy performance.

The Story Plot

The basic plot of a Punch and Judy show typically follows a similar structure:

1. Introduction: The puppeteer introduces the characters and sets the scene for the performance.
2. Punch’s domestic troubles: Punch’s wife, Judy, scolds him for his mischievous behavior and he hits her with his stick, usually resulting in her death.
3. Punch’s encounters with authority figures: Punch encounters a constable or a judge, who tries to arrest him for his wife’s murder, but he outwits and hits them with his stick.
4. Punch’s encounter with the devil: Punch has a run-in with the devil, who tries to take him to hell, but Punch outwits and hits him with his stick.
5. Punch’s escape: Punch manages to escape his pursuers and celebrates his victory with a song and dance.
6. Conclusion: The puppeteer concludes the performance and invites the audience to watch again.

It’s worth noting that different versions of the Punch and Judy show might have slight variations or additional characters. Also, the violence and death in the show is not to be taken seriously and it’s considered a classic slapstick comedy.

The Cast of Characters

• Punch (also known as Punchinello or Pulcinella) – the main character, a comically mischievous and violent puppet who is the star of the show.
• Judy – Punch’s wife, who scolds him for his bad behavior and is often the target of his physical abuse.
• The Baby – Punch’s child, who is often used as a prop in the show.
• The Constable – a police officer who tries to arrest Punch for his wife’s murder.
• The Devil – a villainous character who tries to take Punch to hell.
• The Hangman – an executioner who tries to punish Punch for his crimes.
• Joey the Clown – a friend of Punch, who sometimes appears as a sidekick.
• The Doctor – a character who tries to revive Judy after Punch kills her.
• The Crocodile – a character who tries to eat Punch or his baby.
• The Ghost – a character who appears after Punch kills someone, usually Judy.

It’s worth noting that different versions of the Punch and Judy show might have slight variations or additional characters. The characters and their role in the show might also have different names, but the general concept and their role remain the same.

Now, let’s face it. The Punch and Judy show is bloody awful, it always has been, and always will be.  I must confess to being somewhat bewildered about how it has endured so many centuries and why so many parents subject their children to this nonsense at children’s parties and seaside visits.

It probably has something to do with the archetypes. I doubt this was done by intention or design, the scriptwriters just got lucky and this is why the show has survived when so many others emerging from the same time period have vanished without a trace from the collective memory.

The Archetypes

Punch is Harlequin. This is explored in more detail here: Harlequin – The Spirit of Hod?

Judy – Punch’s wife, who scolds him for his bad behavior and is often the target of his physical abuse.

Judy is Nephthys. In the traditional show, Judy is the wife of Punch and is often depicted as a scolding and nagging figure, who scolds Punch for his bad behavior and is the target of his physical abuse.

Judy is usually shown as a stereotypical nagging wife, who is unhappy with Punch’s actions and scolds him for his laziness, drunkenness, and general misbehavior. She is often shown as being bossy and controlling, and her character is often used to satirize the traditional gender roles of the time.

Despite being the target of Punch’s physical and verbal abuse, Judy is also shown as being resilient and determined, and she often tries to stop Punch’s misbehavior by scolding him or hiding his possessions. In some versions of the show, she is also shown as being a loving and caring wife, who is worried about Punch’s well-being and tries to protect him from the consequences of his actions.

There are many parallel examples:

The baby is Horus. Every decent story needs an innocent who is threatened by the choices and morality of adults who should know better. In a typical Punch and Judy show, the character of the baby is often used as a prop and serves several purposes in the story. The baby is usually shown as the child of Punch and his wife, Judy.

In the story of Punch and Judy, the baby is often used to add a sense of domesticity and family to the show. It also serves as a means for Punch to display his softer side, as he is often shown as a loving and protective father figure to the baby.

However, the baby is also used as a source of comedy, as Punch’s antics and violence often put the baby in danger. Punch may use the baby in various gags, such as throwing it in the air, accidentally hitting it with his stick or even pretending to eat it.  In some versions of the show, the baby is also used as a plot device, for example, Punch may use the baby as an excuse for his mischievous behavior, saying that he is providing for his family. The baby may also be used as a bargaining chip, for example, Punch may threaten to harm the baby to escape from the constable.

Innocence threatened. This is a common motif, from the slaughter of all children under the age of two by a frightened King Herod and Moses being sent downstream after Pharoah ordered death to the firstborn are two well-known examples. What we don’t have in the Punch and Judy story is what happens to the baby once he grows to adulthood.

Other examples include:

• • • • Romulus and Remus in Roman mythology: In the story of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers are left to die in the wilderness as infants, but are rescued by a she-wolf who raises them.
      • Krishna in Hindu mythology: In the story of Krishna, the god Vishnu is reincarnated as a child on earth and is threatened by the demon king Kamsa, who seeks to kill him.
      • Sargon of Akkad: In ancient Mesopotamia, the story of Sargon of Akkad tells of a baby who is abandoned in a reed basket and found by a water drawer. He is raised by the water drawer’s daughter and goes on to become a powerful king. (Sound familiar?)
      • Horus in Egyptian mythology: In the story of Horus, the god Horus is born to the goddess Isis and is immediately threatened by his uncle Seth, who seeks to kill him. Isis hides Horus in the marshes to protect him from Seth.
      • Gilgamesh: In ancient Sumerian mythology, the story of Gilgamesh tells of a baby who is born with extraordinary strength and is abandoned in the wild, where he is raised by animals. He goes on to become a powerful king and a hero.
      • Karna in Hindu mythology: In the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, Karna is born to an unmarried mother and is abandoned in a basket on a river. He is found and raised by a charioteer, and goes on to become a powerful warrior and a tragic hero.
      • Oedipus: In Greek mythology, Oedipus, the King of Thebes, was abandoned as a baby because it was foretold that he would kill his father and marry his mother. He was found and raised by a shepherd, and unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy.

The Constable – a police officer who tries to arrest Punch for his wife’s murder.

The Constable is the Egyptian god, Seth/Saturn. Receiving a beating from Punch and thwarted in his mission, the constable is obviously the modern incarnation of the character who traditionally is the derisable authority figure of the times and place in which the show takes place. In some versions of the show, the constable is also shown as a corrupt official, who is bribed or intimidated by Punch to let him go. This can be seen as a reflection of the negative yet righteous attitudes and distrust toward authority.

The authority figure defeated by the common man is a common feature in many stories:

• • • • David and Goliath: In the Bible, the story of David and Goliath tells of a young shepherd who defeats a giant warrior, who represents the authority of the Philistine army.
      • The Emperor’s New Clothes: In this fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, two conmen convince an emperor that they have made him an invisible suit of clothes, which only the wise can see. The emperor, who represents authority, is fooled by the conmen and paraded around town in his invisible clothes until a child points out that the emperor is actually naked.
      • The Tortoise and the Hare: In this fable, a slow but clever Tortoise defeats a haughty and overconfident Hare, who represents authority in the race.
      • The Fox and the Grapes: In this fable, a fox, who is unable to reach some grapes that he desires, pretends that they are sour and undesirable in order to save face, outsmarting the authority of the grapes.
      • The Boy Who Cried Wolf: In this fable, a boy who repeatedly lies to the villagers about a wolf attack, is not believed when a real wolf comes and the authority of the villagers is shown to be easily deceived.
      • The Ant and the Grasshopper: In this fable, the ant, who represents the common man, outsmarts the grasshopper, who represents the authority of leisure and carelessness, by preparing for the winter while the grasshopper plays and sings.
      • The Story of the Eloquent Peasant: This story tells of a poor farmer who is repeatedly cheated and mistreated by a powerful nobleman, but through his wit and eloquence, he outsmarts the nobleman and gains justice for himself and other commoners.
      • The Contendings of Horus and Seth: In this story, the god Horus, who represents the common people, battles and defeats the god Seth, who represents the authority of the Pharaoh, to become the rightful ruler of Egypt.
      • The Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor: This story tells of a sailor who gets stranded on an island, he outsmarts a group of gods and goddesses who had trapped him there by tricking them into revealing the secret of how to return home.
      • The Story of the Doomed Prince: This story tells of a prince who, through his cleverness and wit, outsmarts a group of powerful and dangerous gods, who had planned to kill him.
      • The Story of the Two Brothers: This story tells of two brothers, one of whom is a powerful nobleman and the other is a commoner, who outwits the nobleman and ultimately becomes more successful.

The Devil – a villainous character who tries to take Punch to hell.

The Devil is Apophis/Apep.  In the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show, the devil, also known as “Mr. Punch’s Devil” or “The Devil,” is a recurring character who often serves as the antagonist and foil to Punch. He is usually depicted as a sinister and malevolent figure, with a red costume, horns and a tail.

The devil’s role in the show is often to tempt Punch into committing various misdeeds, such as stealing, drinking, and wife-beating, and to provoke him into committing acts of violence against the other characters. He often serves as a representation of the forces of evil and temptation, and his presence in the show is used to satirize and comment on the vices and sins of the human condition.

The archetype of the devil, as a malevolent and tempting figure who represents the forces of evil, is present in many myths, legends, and religious traditions throughout history. Some examples include:

• • • • Satan in Christianity: Satan is the embodiment of evil and the adversary of God in Christianity. He is often depicted as a tempter who tempts people to sin and to turn away from God.
      • Lucifer in Christianity: Lucifer, also known as the “light-bearer,” is a name often associated with Satan in Christianity. The name Lucifer comes from the Latin word lucifer, meaning “light-bearer” or “morning star.” He is often depicted as a fallen angel, who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
      • Ahriman in Zoroastrianism: Ahriman is the spirit of evil and darkness in Zoroastrianism. He is the eternal enemy of Ahura Mazda, the spirit of goodness and light, and is often depicted as a deceiver who tempts people to sin and to turn away from the path of righteousness.
      • Mara in Buddhism: Mara is the embodiment of evil and temptation in Buddhism. He is often depicted as a demon who tempts the Buddha and other spiritual seekers to give up their quest for enlightenment.

The Hangman – an executioner who tries to punish Punch for his crimes.

The Hangman is Ma’at. The hangman is a recurring character in the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show. He is often depicted as a sinister and ominous figure, who is responsible for carrying out capital punishment, usually by hanging.

The hangman’s role in the show is often to serve as a reminder of the consequences of Punch’s misdeeds, and to provide a sense of dramatic tension and danger. He is often shown as a ruthless and unfeeling figure, who is willing to carry out his duties without compassion or mercy.

The archetype of the hangman, as a ruthless and unfeeling figure who carries out capital punishment, is present in many myths, legends and historical accounts throughout history. Some examples include:

• • • • The Executioner in mythology and folktales: The executioner is a common figure in myths and folktales, who is often depicted as a brutal and unfeeling figure who carries out the punishment of death. In many stories, the executioner is a symbol of justice and the consequences of wrongdoing.
      • The Headsman in historical accounts: The headsman, also known as the executioner or the hangman, is a figure that appears in many historical accounts. He was responsible for carrying out capital punishment by beheading and was often seen as a symbol of the state’s power over life and death.
      • The Grim Reaper in mythology and literature: The Grim Reaper is a common figure in mythology and literature, who is often depicted as a hooded figure who carries a scythe and is responsible for collecting the souls of the dead. He is often seen as a symbol of death and the end of life.

Joey the Clown – a friend of Punch, who sometimes appears as a sidekick.

Joey The Clown is Harlequin in his incarnation as “The Fool”.  Joey the Clown is a character who sometimes appears as a sidekick in the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show. He is often depicted as a friend and companion of Punch, and is usually shown as being a cheerful and light-hearted character.

Joey’s role in the show is often to provide comic relief and to add an element of absurdity to the proceedings. He is often shown as being a buffoon, who is easily fooled by Punch and the other characters and is often the target of Punch’s jokes and pranks. He is also often shown as being a loyal friend to Punch, and is willing to help him out in his misadventures.

The archetype of Joey the Clown, as a loyal and comical sidekick who serves as a companion and a source of comic relief, is present in many myths, legends, and folktales throughout history. Some examples include:

• • • • The Fool in literature and drama: The fool is a common figure in literature and drama, who is often depicted as a loyal and comical companion to the protagonist. They often serve as a source of comic relief and provide a contrast to the more serious and dramatic elements of the story.
      • The Jester in medieval and renaissance literature and drama: The jester is a common figure in medieval and renaissance literature and drama, who is often depicted as a loyal and comical companion to the king or nobleman. They often serve as a source of comic relief and provide a contrast to the more serious and courtly elements of the story.
      • The Harlequin in Commedia dell’arte: The Harlequin is a stock character of the Commedia dell’arte, who is often depicted as a loyal and comical companion to the protagonist. They often serve as a source of comic relief and provide a contrast to the more serious and dramatic elements of the story.

The Doctor – a character who tries to revive Judy after Punch kills her.

The Doctor is Imhotep/Asclepius.  The Doctor is a character who sometimes appears in the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show. He is often depicted as a figure of authority and expertise, usually dressed in a long coat and a top hat, and carrying a doctor’s bag.

The Doctor’s role in the show is often to revive or heal the characters who have been injured or killed by Punch’s violence, particularly Judy, Punch’s wife, who is often the victim of Punch’s physical abuse and is killed by him in some versions of the show. The Doctor’s attempts to revive her are usually futile, and he is often shown as being unable to save her from her fate.

The archetype of The Doctor as a figure of authority and expertise who tries to revive or heal characters who have been injured or killed is present in many myths, legends, and folktales throughout history. Specifically, this is not Jesus raising Lazarus, simply because in this story,  Jesus successfully healed Lazarus. In Punch and Judy, the dead Judy remains very much dead. Similarly, The Doctor is not Brahma restoring Ganesh, nor Isis restoring Osiris.

Some archetypal examples include:

• • • • The Healer in mythology and folktales: The Healer is a common figure in myths and folktales, who is often depicted as a figure of authority and expertise in the art of medicine and healing as well as dangerous and/or incompetent quacks
      • The Doctor in literature.
      • The Wise Woman in folktales: The Wise woman is a figure that appears in many folktales, and is often depicted as a figure of authority and expertise in the art of medicine and healing.

Overall, the archetype of The Doctor as a figure of authority and expertise who tries to revive or heal characters who have been injured or killed is present in many myths, legends, and folktales across cultures and time periods.

The Crocodile – a character who tries to eat Punch or his baby.

The Crocodile is Sobek. The Crocodile is a character who sometimes appears in the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show. He is often depicted as a menacing and ferocious creature, usually shown as a crocodile or alligator, and is often used as a symbol of danger and threat.

The Crocodile’s role in the show is often to provide a sense of danger and tension and to serve as an obstacle for Punch and his baby. He is often shown trying to eat Punch or his baby and is usually defeated by Punch’s cunning and violence.

The best archetypal example is that of the dragon in mythology and folktales, often depicted as a dangerous and ferocious creature that serves as an obstacle or a symbol of danger and threat. The dragon is often defeated by the hero in the story, who is able to defeat it using strength, cunning, and bravery.

The Ghost – a character who appears after Punch kills someone, usually Judy.

The Ghost is The Ba (from the Ba and Ka) The Ghost is a character who sometimes appears in the traditional Punch and Judy puppet show. He is often depicted as a spooky and ominous figure, usually shown as a ghostly apparition dressed in white and with a pale face. He is often used as a symbol of guilt, punishment, and death.

The Ghost’s role in the show is often to serve as a reminder of the consequences of Punch’s violent actions. He appears after Punch has killed someone, usually Judy, as a reminder of the crime Punch has committed. Ghost is often shown as a silent and ominous figure, who haunts Punch and reminds him of his guilt.

In addition to Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol” featuring three ghosts of time, the archetype of the ghost serving as a reminder of death and guilt is present in many myths, legends, and folktales throughout history.

Some examples include:

• • • • The Ghost in literature and drama: The ghost is a common figure in literature and drama, who is often depicted as a spooky and ominous figure who serves as a reminder of death and guilt. They often appear to the living characters in the story as a warning or a message from the afterlife, and they are often associated with unresolved issues or unfinished business.
      • The Banshee in Irish folklore: The Banshee is a figure from Irish folklore, who is often depicted as a ghostly woman who appears before a family member is about to die, wailing and keening, as a warning of the impending death.
      • The Apparition in Shakespeare’s plays: The ghost is a recurring figure in Shakespeare’s plays, appearing in several of his works such as Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and Macbeth. They often appear as a reminder of death and guilt, and are often associated with unresolved issues or unfinished business.
      • The Ancestor’s ghost in African folklore: In many African cultures, the ancestor’s ghost is seen as a powerful figure who can provide guidance and protection to the living, but they can also be invoked to remind the living of their obligations to the dead and their ancestors.
      • The Vengeful Ghost in Asian folklore: In many Asian cultures, there are stories of vengeful ghosts who return from the dead to seek revenge for wrongs committed against them in life. They are often depicted as spooky and ominous figures who haunt the living as a reminder of their guilt.
      • The Spirit of the deceased in Native American folklore: In many Native American cultures, there are stories of spirits of the deceased who return to the living world to communicate with the living. They are often depicted as spooky and ominous figures who serve as a reminder of the continuity of life and death, and the importance of respecting the dead.
      • The Draugr in Norse mythology: In Norse mythology, the Draugr is a type of undead creature, similar to a ghost, that rises from its grave to haunt the living. They are often depicted as powerful and dangerous figures who can infect the living with disease and death.