Life — May 7, 1903 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains two satirical drawings about Pennsylvania politics. **Top illustration** ("The First Lesson"): A caricatured figure with exaggerated features plays a flute or pipe while children listen. This appears to be a metaphorical "lesson" in manipulation or leadership. **Bottom illustration** ("A Gloomy Outlook for Pa"): Four figures dine together while a fifth sits alone at the table's end. The caption reads: "Who do you take after, Bertie? Your Pa or your Ma?" with the response "Neither of 'em. Ma an' we takes together. Pa cuts what's left—if there is any left." This satirizes Pennsylvania's political or economic situation, suggesting resources are being consumed by multiple parties, leaving little for others. The "gloomy outlook" references financial hardship or mismanagement affecting the state.