Judge, 1915-11-20 · page 15 of 28
Judge — November 20, 1915 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical piece about married life during WWI, using military terminology as metaphor. The cartoon shows a husband (Henry Peck) and wife (Maria) in their home, with the accompanying text offering absurdist "advice" for navigating marriage like trench warfare. The satire contrasts two things: soldiers literally fighting in WWI trenches, and husbands managing domineering wives at home. Key points include warnings against contradicting Maria, avoiding surprise attacks, maintaining preparedness, and accepting that wives always win ("you won't be doing that" if you charge gallantly). The final joke ("Natural Result") shows a wife who learned to drive on vacation now demanding her husband buy her a car—illustrating how wives extract concessions through small requests. The humor relies on the era's assumption that wives are tyrants in the home and marriage is inherently combative. It's period-typical gender satire reflecting 1910s-20s attitudes about spousal dynamics.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ENRY, when she wiggles that double chin, and stamps her dainty foot with the remark that you are getting to be more of a failure every day, you might as well dig yourself in for the Winter. Trench warfare for yours, Old Boy. Maria is a good shot. She never makes a knowledge. Look out for your third line of defen: Don’t attempt a Surprise attack, Henry. Don’t do it. You couldn’t explain after- wards, It’s a long, long way to reenforcements Don’t be Brazen: it won't do you any good. Never lic to her, except when she asks you how you feel. Nowadays, the only married warrior who can be Shift and Unashamed is a South. ern Colonel, Suh. Asphyxiating gas bombs might perchance leak backward. Remember how, when she was a young girl, her voice used to thrill you? And now——? mistake—to her P! Henry Peck in Time of War Ry FRED LADD No man ever regretted that he didn’t get married sooner. When told to do a thing, go do it. Don’t stand around and Mutter. That is very reprehensible, according to Maria’s code. (A lone and pathetic figure in the du Henry Peck on Guard.) Do not hurt Maria’s feelings; it’s a losing game Buck up, Old Top! She will never marry you again. If you should be Charging Gallantly-—but you won't be doing that. It isa Gift, to be able to Fade Away. When she emits that Silvery throat laugh with the rising inflection—it bodes you no good, My Boy You never were cut out for a Speed King, anyhow. Preparedness is the thing. Even tho’ she wore a Lorelei veil, she never could fool you again. Be courageous, when she gives you the High Sign. Get back on the jump when so requested to do. All Married men are Restive at times. Anyway, thank Heaven you have never starved Maria’s soul. Is your Flat a chamber of horrors? Suppose she were a Battleship—can’t you see her throwing the spray a mile high? She has an almost uncanny way of know- ing exactly what you are thinking. Don’t think. Consider lently. You can’t look Fierce to her, if you do raise a shoe-brush mustache. Tyranny didn’t crush the American Colonies: but you are not the American Colonies. Rash and Intrepid you may be; but only in the line of Obedience. Heary, Good Luck the Winter; rations mind if the Discipline be Strict. will be. the Fish: how they swim Si- A fair campaign for a plenty; and never For it Natural Result Mrs. Crabshaw—I learned auto while on my vacation. Crabshaw—What next? Mrs. Crabshaw—You're going to buy me a car, dear. to drive an comicbooks.com