Life — September 30, 1886 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Opening of the Owl" Comic Page This page depicts a satirical sequence about American football, specifically tackling techniques. The left column shows an "enigma": "Why does the little man always tackle the big ball and the big man tackle the little ball?" The sequence illustrates this paradox through exaggerated drawings of players in various tackling positions with spheres (the ball). The caption "A salty cry alley" appears to reference spectator behavior or commentary. The bottom panels show a "ten strike" reference and mention "his finger has caught," depicting dynamic game action. The page title "OPENING OF THE OWL" likely refers to a sports publication or section. Without clearer historical context, the specific target of satire remains unclear, though the humor derives from football's physical absurdities and player sizing mismatches.