Life — August 20, 1914 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Dreams" Page from Life Magazine This page presents a satirical piece titled "The Obsequies" (funeral rites) mocking the death of "King Business." The left panel shows mourners gathered at what appears to be a funeral, while the right panel depicts a man sitting at a desk, smiling. The text reveals the joke: various characters claim credit for killing "King Business"—a Senator, the Kicker (likely a labor agitator), and the Bond Issue representative all boast of delivering fatal blows. King Business then reveals he's not actually dead, describing his "death" as merely a psychological phase reported in newspapers. The satire appears to mock exaggerated claims about economic conditions and the resilience of American business, suggesting reports of economic doom are greatly exaggerated.