Life, 1918-11-14 · page 7 of 34
Life — November 14, 1918 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is a title page for Life magazine featuring a political cartoon titled "Come Home to Roost." The image depicts a large bird—apparently an eagle or similar imposing fowl—wearing what appears to be a military or ceremonial garment with a cross symbol. The bird has a stern, predatory expression and looks downward. The phrase "come home to roost" is an idiom meaning consequences have arrived or past actions have caught up with someone. The military imagery and the bird's aggressive posture suggest this cartoon critiques militarism or a specific military leader/regime. The cross emblem likely references German militarism, suggesting this may relate to World War I or its aftermath, though the specific historical moment remains unclear without additional context.