Judge — June 7, 1913 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration uses Freemasonry's three ritual degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master) as a framework for mocking the progressive stages of courtship in the early 20th century. **The progression shown:** - **Entered Apprentice** (top): A formally dressed man and woman sit distantly on a sofa, maintaining decorum - **Fellowcraft** (bottom left): The couple grows closer, more intimate physical contact - **Master** (bottom right): A bride and groom, suggesting marriage as the "mastery" of courtship The joke satirizes how courting rituals escalate from formal, reserved interactions to marriage. By paralleling this to Freemasonry's secretive advancement through degrees, the cartoon mocks both the formality of courtship customs and fraternal lodge culture. The humor targets the predictable, ritualistic nature of romance among the middle and upper classes.