to ally / to unite / to join / (poetry) antithetical couplet
联
=
关
+
耳
:
Li Qingzhao (li) invented a machine able to combine (联) her hair into braids, and she is trying it out for the first time in the anthill's kitchen (an2). Just as the machine starts Li Qingzhao realizes it is going to combine both of her ears (耳) into one braid she quickly hits the machine's off button (关).
to beat / to hit / variant of 考[kao3] / to inspect / to test / to take an exam
考
=
⺹
+
丂
:
Karl Marx (k) has to take an exam (考) in the artoa's living room (ao3). It is very difficult for him because he has to wear a breathing mask (丂) due to the open fire, and he also has to wear a huge crown (⺹) which makes it difficult for him to see the exam papers.