Life — October 7, 1909 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Life" Magazine Cartoon: "History Repeats Again" This satirical cartoon compares two polar expeditions. The text references the Chosen People following Moses to reach their goal, then contrasts this with Cook and Peary's attempts to reach the North Pole—but being "led by Eskimoses" instead. The cartoon depicts a tall, thin figure (appearing to represent a polar explorer) standing beside a darker, heavyset figure (an Eskimo guide) in an arctic setting. The caption reads "Miss Northice: Two Callers in One Year." The satire mocks the irony that famous explorers required indigenous guides to succeed, suggesting they were as dependent on native peoples as the ancient Israelites were on Moses. It's commentary on exploration mythology versus practical reality—the "modern" expeditions still needed native expertise.