Life — March 17, 1904 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Solitaire by Preference" & "The First Eviction" The top cartoon depicts a woman playing solitaire alone while three men observe from behind—the title suggests she deliberately prefers solitude to male company, a commentary on changing gender dynamics and women's independence. "The First Eviction" references Ireland's historical eviction crisis. The poem and accompanying illustration depict Saint Patrick being evicted from the Emerald Isle, using religious/mythological imagery to protest actual Irish tenant evictions. The accompanying article "Patriots" critiques Ireland's proposal to hire mercenary soldiers rather than rely on citizens' patriotic duty to fight for their country—satirizing the economic and military shortsightedness of this approach. Both pieces address Irish political crises of the period.