Judge — March 8, 1919 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Puppy Love"—A Rejected Short Story This illustration by Agnes MacDonnell depicts a domestic scene with satirical intent. An older man gestures dismissively while addressing a young couple—a boy and girl in an intimate moment. The title "Puppy Love—A Rejected Short Story" suggests this is mocking the rejection of a romantic manuscript or story submission. The satire likely critiques either sentimental Victorian romance fiction (which editors rejected as overly saccharine) or comments on the foolishness of young love itself. The elder's authoritative posture and pointing gesture implies authority—possibly an editor, publisher, or parental figure—dismissing youthful romantic sentiments as unworthy of serious consideration. The cartoon reflects *Judge* magazine's characteristic mockery of literary pretension and romantic idealism.