Life — December 27, 1883 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two cartoon panels with literary references: **Top panel:** Shows two figures in what appears to be a Gothic church or cathedral interior. The caption suggests someone should find "fifteen minutes for meditation"—likely mocking the busy modern person's inability to make time for spiritual reflection or quiet contemplation. **Bottom panel:** References Shakespeare's *Macbeth*. The caption "Well, William, here comes Birnam Wood to Dunsinane" alludes to the famous prophecy from the play. The sketch shows what appears to be a crowded, chaotic scene. Without clearer context, the specific satirical target is unclear, but it likely comments on an approaching social or political situation that seemed impossible but is now occurring—mirroring Macbeth's fatalistic moment when the impossible prophecy materializes. Both cartoons appear to use literary allusions for their satirical effect.