Life, 1909-01-21 · page 14 of 28
Life — January 21, 1909 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical cartoon depicts a chaotic shipwreck or disaster scene. A capsized automobile lies damaged on a beach, while a lifeboat labeled "LIFE" and "BUSTED" floats above. Scattered survivors and onlookers populate the scene—some appearing distressed or injured. The title "The Biter Bit" (a phrase meaning someone who schemes gets their comeuppance) suggests this is political satire about unexpected consequences. The "BUSTED" lifeboat and wrecked car likely reference failed schemes or broken promises, possibly related to early automotive industry or political corruption circa Life magazine's satirical heyday (early 1900s). Without additional context, the specific political figures or events remain unclear, though the composition emphasizes ironic misfortune befalling those depicted.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE BITER BI = ie) 9 n x ° fo) 2 2 E 5 cs)