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"The Complete Tribune Primer" by Eugene Field is a humorous and satirical poem that serves as a social commentary on the nature of newspapers and journalism. Written in the late 19th century, Field uses wit and irony to expose the sensationalism and biases present in the news media of his time.The poem is structured as a primer, a basic instructional text for children, but the content is far from innocent. Field takes common words and phrases associated with newspapers and transforms them into comical and absurd scenarios. The tone is light and playful, making it appear as if the author is addressing a young audience. However, the underlying satire is sharp and critical, targeting the sensationalism and manipulation found in journalism.Field opens with a whimsical definition of a newspaper as a "sheet that is wet on both sides." This seemingly innocent definition sets the tone for the entire poem. The use of the word "wet" is a clever play on words, suggesting that the information in newspapers is not only fluid but also potentially messy and unreliable. It introduces the idea that newspapers are not as straightforward and trustworthy as they may seem.Throughout the poem, Field highlights the sensationalism of newspapers by creating exaggerated scenarios. For example, he describes a "tramp" as a "gentleman who begs for money when he is not working." This definition plays on the common stereotype of a tramp as a lazy beggar, but it also satirizes the way newspapers often present certain groups of people in a negative light to attract readership.Field also addresses the political bias present in journalism. He defines a politician as a "man who gives up his morals for his country." This definition suggests that politicians may compromise their integrity for the sake of political gain, a cynical view that reflects the author's skepticism towards the political landscape of his time.The poem's humor arises from Field's skillful use of language and wordplay. He takes familiar words and phrases and twists them in unexpected ways, creating a sense of irony and absurdity. For example, he defines a "banker" as "a man who puts all his money in other people's pockets." This definition not only plays on the literal act of depositing money in a bank but also implies a certain level of greed and exploitation associated with the banking industry.One of the recurring themes in the poem is the manipulation of information by newspapers. Field suggests that newspapers often present a distorted version of reality to cater to their audience's preferences. The definition of a "church" as "a place where people sing very loudly once a week" plays on the idea that newspapers may exaggerate or sensationalize certain aspects of religious practices to capture readers' attention."The Complete Tribune Primer" is not merely a humorous exercise in wordplay; it is a clever critique of the media landscape of its time. Field's satirical approach allows him to address serious issues such as sensationalism, bias, and manipulation in a lighthearted manner. By presenting his commentary in the form of a primer, Field adds an extra layer of irony, highlighting the contrast between the seemingly innocent format and the critical content. The poem serves as a timeless reminder of the need to approach news media with a discerning eye, questioning the narratives presented and being aware of the potential for manipulation and bias.