Life — November 29, 1883 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Eat Won't Work Both Ways" This satirical cartoon depicts a poultry market where animals are being sold for consumption. The visible labels include "City Parson to be raffled for" (on a turkey) and "Country Red Boy" (on what appears to be a duck or goose in a box marked "12 cts @ pound"). The cartoon's title, "Eat Won't Work Both Ways," suggests ironic commentary on food systems or class dynamics—likely satirizing urban versus rural food production or consumption patterns. The "City Parson" label humorously suggests even clergy are commodified. The visible price list on the left (showing wages and kitchen costs) reinforces themes of economic value and class distinction that would have resonated with *Life* magazine's readership in the early 20th century.