Life — January 31, 1907 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 161 This page contains two illustrations by M. Twain-Clemens (likely a pen name) accompanying satirical commentary. The upper sketch depicts an elderly man in period dress, appearing to represent a figure of authority or privilege. The text discusses Mark Twain's use of humor to critique social hypocrisy, cruelty, and greed. A section titled "The Tariff in Society" satirizes wealthy industrialists (specifically referencing William Ellis Corey of U.S. Steel) who profit from protective tariffs while ordinary citizens bear the cost. The satire argues this represents moral corruption disguised as economic policy. A separate article on "Joseph of Austria" appears below, though its specific satirical target is unclear from this excerpt alone. The overall page exemplifies Life magazine's tradition of using wit to expose upper-class pretension and economic injustice.