Question

In the French cartoon of 1904 depicting a bear representing Russia standing on the edge of a cliff facing a traditionally dressed Japanese man with two swords who is also starring back at the bear, balanced on a thin bamboo stick acting as a bridge for the Japanese to walk across from one cliff edge towards the Russia bear. Answer these two questions:
1. What is the cartoon trying to say? Answer in one sentence.
2. What way was it prophetic? Answer in one sentence.

Answer 1

Another more literal answer

Answer 2

1. The cartoon is trying to convey the tense and precarious nature of the Russo-Japanese relations, symbolizing the potential conflict between the two countries.
2. It was prophetic in depicting the impending Russo-Japanese War, which broke out in 1904, just a few months after the cartoon was published.

Answer 3

1. The cartoon is trying to say that Russia and Japan are on the brink of a conflict and are in a precarious situation.
2. It was prophetic in accurately predicting the potential clash and tension between Russia and Japan, which eventually led to the Russo-Japanese War.