Life — August 13, 1903 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 153 This page contains three satirical pieces from Life magazine: 1. **"A Heavy Contract"** (top left cartoon): Shows a messy, chaotic scene with the caption about "Colly, Boss! I can't do this job at the regular rates—you'll have to go wholesale." This appears to satirize labor disputes or contract negotiations, likely referencing Teddy Roosevelt-era labor conflicts. 2. **"New York's Symphony"** (right panel): A mock manifesto sarcastically describing corrupt behavior—being greedy, vulgar, selfish, and dishonest. This satirizes New York City's perceived moral decline and civic corruption during the Progressive Era. 3. **"Coody Taw"** and **"Wealth"** sections: These discuss morality and financial success, with accompanying sketch humor about social hypocrisy and class distinctions. The overall theme critiques American greed, corruption, and moral compromise of the period.