Judge, 1919-03-29 · page 13 of 32
Judge — March 29, 1919 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Harry's Correspondence" Analysis This is a humorous story illustration from Judge magazine about a returning World War I soldier named Harry visiting his romantic interest, Louise. The satire targets masculine vanity and self-absorption. Harry has just returned from France in his military uniform and is anxiously waiting to see Louise, worried she hasn't answered his letter. However, the cartoon's caption and accompanying text reveal the joke: despite his anxiety about their relationship, Harry becomes preoccupied with his own appearance, repeatedly checking his reflection in a mirror—admiring his polished shoes, new gloves, and neatly groomed hair. The satire mocks the "selfish interest" of lovers concerned with their own vanity rather than genuine emotional connection. It's a gentle critique of male narcissism and the gap between romantic intentions and actual behavior, using the returning soldier as a recognizable post-WWI figure to make the observation relatable to contemporary readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“He Hap Tuat Sevrisu Interest Tuat Opsesses a Lover ALone Witn a Mirror.” Harry’s Correspondence By J. A. Watpron Mlustration by Lawrence Fe.tows ARRY had spruced up. He was on his way to see Louise. He had just returned from France without injury, and although his khaki showed wear, he looked very fit. His face glowed with health, but he had a wor- Louise hadn’t answered his latest letter. He had written it long enough before sailing for response even in the circumstances of demoralized mails. “Yes,” the maid said, ‘“‘Miss Woolsie is in.” ried aspect. she took Harry’s name and ushered him to the recep- tion room. he sat there waiting his worry was ap- parent. But presently he had that selfish interest that obsesses a lover alone with a mirror. Harry wanted to see if the little hair a soldier we: as slick. And al- though he had already verified the fact by several glances downward, he was anxious for a perspective on his shoes. The polisher really had given him a good shine. And the new gloves he wore he was satis- comicbooks.com