Life — May 14, 1891 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Little Corner In" This political cartoon depicts a circus or exhibition scene featuring a large elephant as the central attraction. A small child stands before the massive animal, appearing diminished by its size—a classic visual metaphor for disparity in power or scale. The visible signage references "Howells" (likely William Dean Howells, the prominent American author and critic) and mentions what appears to be a "Stanley" expedition or display, suggesting this cartoon comments on a contemporary public spectacle or exhibition, possibly mocking how major literary or exploratory figures were being commercialized or displayed for public entertainment. The cramped "little corner" setting emphasizes the contrast between the elephant's grandeur and its constrained exhibition space.