Life — February 17, 1916 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Last Course" This 1916 *Life* magazine cartoon depicts a surreal, nightmarish scene titled "The Last Course." A skeletal tiger with striped markings dominates the composition, towering over a small seated figure. The figure appears to be dining or in a vulnerable position, suggesting they are about to be consumed—hence "the last course" (final meal, with dark double meaning). The tiger likely represents a predatory force, possibly referencing World War I conflicts or imperial aggression contemporaneous with 1916. The ethereal landscape with a bare tree, flying creature, and moon creates an ominous mood. Without additional context identifying the seated figure, the cartoon's specific political target remains unclear, though it appears to satirize vulnerability to overwhelming destructive power.