Life — April 22, 1920 — page 28: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains satirical cartoon vignettes about the cost of living. The header "AQUARIUM" frames the top scene, where wealthy figures feed fish while poor people fish below—suggesting economic class disparity. The middle panel depicts a circus scene with a lion and tiger, likely representing dangerous economic forces, while skeletal figures perform, implying people are being exploited. The bottom scenes show: a man standing near a campfire with what appears to be a shoe or boot (suggesting poverty/desperation), and a wealthy figure examining an elephant, contrasting affluence with hardship. The caption reads: "THOUGHTS UPON READING THAT THE HIGH FOOD PRICES WILL CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS"—indicating the satire addresses anxiety about prolonged economic hardship and food inflation, likely from the post-WWI era.