Life — February 14, 1918 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains two satirical pieces: **"How the Feud Started"** (right): A mock-epic poem blaming dogs and cats' eternal conflict on a broken "Parchment" granting dogs freedom. Mice breached this ancient charter, causing the dog to eternally chase the cat in revenge. The satire uses animal fable conventions to humorously explain natural animal behavior as if it were serious political/legal history. **"The German Destroyer" (top left)** and **"Upset" (bottom)**: The top cartoon shows a figure labeled "U.S. Industries" being confronted by what appears to be a German military figure. The bottom depicts a domestic dispute where a burglar isn't blamed—the husband blames his dog ("Little Fido Garfield"). These appear to reference World War I–era concerns and domestic humor, respectively.