Life — November 26, 1885 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical cartoon titled "Problem Solved" with the subtitle "Monopoly and Our 'Very Best People.'" The image depicts a well-dressed man in a top hat riding atop a horse-drawn tramway car. The man appears to be a caricature of a wealthy monopolist or robber baron, steering the vehicle with exaggerated theatrical gestures. Inside the tramway, passengers (appearing to be ordinary citizens) are visible through windows. The satire critiques monopolies and their relationship to the wealthy elite ("our 'Very Best People'"). The cartoon suggests that monopolists control public transportation systems, figuratively "riding" on the backs of common people while presenting themselves as civilized gentlemen. This reflects Progressive Era concerns about corporate monopolies exploiting public resources and ordinary citizens.