Life — April 1, 1897 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# March Political Cartoon Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains multiple satirical cartoons about American politics and society circa early 1900s. **"The Triumphal Entry"** (top) depicts a grotesque figure in a chariot pulled by an elephant—the Republican Party symbol—suggesting a political victory parade with caricatured supporters. **"Defying the Lightning"** (center) shows a classical warrior figure confronting a storm, likely representing political resistance or defiance. The lower cartoons reference contemporary issues: "Chilly Days in Washington" suggests political discord in the capital, while "Alliance of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State" references the Boer War context. **"Briskly 'Tariff on' Art and Literature"** critiques protectionist tariff policies affecting cultural imports. The satire targets Republican tariff politics and their perceived absurdities through exaggerated imagery.