Life, 1890-12-04 · page 8 of 14
Life — December 4, 1890 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Where the Ostrich Made a Mistake" - Analysis This is a humorous comic strip sequence depicting a man repeatedly being struck or chased by an ostrich. The title's wordplay suggests the ostrich made an error in judgment—presumably in choosing this particular human as a target. The accompanying text describes men mourning a deceased friend named Jack, reflecting on sudden death and mortality. The dialogue references Jack's chair, his laughter, and how "anything of the kind always seems sadder at this time of year." The visual joke—a slapstick sequence of the ostrich repeatedly getting the better of the man—serves as dark comedic commentary alongside the melancholic text about loss. The contrast between the silly cartoon violence and the somber meditation on death creates the satire: the absurdity of sudden misfortune.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
322 WHERE THE OSTRICH FINIS. “It was very sudder And Reginald Brink slowly removed his gloves. His face was white and thoughtful. “Yes—very sudden, When did you first hear of it, Reg.?” “LT knew nothing of it until to-night. Tom told me. Here's Tom.” A tall young fellow entered the room quietly. Crossing to the fireplace he threw himself into a chair, and sighed as he gazed medi- tatively at the coals which gave so genial a warmth to the cool of the September evening. “Well, boys—" said he, sadly, “ it is in the perspective of our lives also. “It'sa thing a man cannot realize, however,” and Reginald Brink lighted his cigarette, moodily. “ Not until we are suddenly brought face to face with it,” added Tom, gloomily. Ian enigma,” musingly remarked the third occupant of the apartment. The clock seemed thinking as it ticked, The three would-be-jolly lotus eaters abandoned themselves to their reflections. « We shall miss him!" “ This was his favorite chair!" “Do you remember what a laugh he had ? Jack was good company.” “ Boys—we shall never know another like him."” And there was the sound of tears in genial Tom Vane's voice. « Anything of the kind always seems sadder at this time of the year than at any other.” “ And he was so full of life—it is harder to realize of him than of any other man in our set.” ** Well—we are all coming to it.” (A shudder.) af pale: comicbooks.com