Life — March 6, 1924 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Pandora's Satchel" Cartoon Analysis This small cartoon depicts two cherubs or putti opening a large satchel labeled "$100,000," from which money spills out. The caption "PANDORA'S SATCHEL" makes the classical reference explicit. The satire compares the satchel to Pandora's Box from Greek mythology—the vessel that, when opened, released all evils upon humanity. Here, the joke inverts the myth: instead of releasing troubles, opening this satchel releases vast sums of money ($100,000 was an enormous sum in the early 20th century). The cartoon likely mocks either sudden wealth, get-rich-quick schemes, or the notion that finding large amounts of money is somehow dangerous or corrupting—a cautionary tale dressed as a seemingly fortunate discovery. The accompanying story "Haunted" supports themes of unexpected, troublesome fortune.