Life — November 17, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Doings in the Desert" This cartoon depicts a lion (labeled "Ashoka") with a British flag, confronted by a small rooster. The satire likely references the Boer War (1898-1902), where British imperial power faced unexpected resistance. The lion traditionally represents British strength and empire, while the small rooster—possibly representing the Boers or another underdog opponent—boldly challenges it. The title "Doings in the Desert" suggests colonial conflicts in arid regions. The cartoon's humor derives from the visual incongruity: a tiny bird confronting a mighty lion, inverting expected power dynamics. This reflects contemporary American satirical commentary on British imperial overconfidence, suggesting that even small adversaries could threaten Britain's dominance. The composition mocks British assumptions of inevitable victory.