Judge, 1921-10-08 · page 10 of 36
Judge — October 8, 1921 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis for Modern Readers This page contains two satirical pieces from *Judge* magazine addressing early 20th-century social concerns: **"The Woman Always Pays"** uses chickens as characters to critique marital infidelity and double standards. A hen, tempted by a younger rooster's flirtations while her mate isn't watching, strays into forbidden territory. When discovered, she faces consequences (blocked gate, abandoned by her escort) while the younger rooster escapes unscathed. The title suggests women bear the social and practical costs of moral transgressions, while men face none—a commentary on the unequal moral judgment applied to men and women. **"O Tempora! O Mores!"** (Latin for "Oh the times! Oh the customs!") jokes about changing fashion. Mothers once instructed children to hold their skirts while walking, but modern women's skirts have become so short that children literally cannot reach them anymore. It's satirizing how dramatically women's hemlines had risen—a shocking development to traditionalists of that era. Both pieces use humor to critique social change and gender relations of the period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Popular Author—Did you enjoy my last book? “Oh, yes; it cured my insomnia wonderfully!” The Woman Always Pays By MARGARET WINSTON CALDWELL T HE barnyard gate had been left open. A most companionable pair of Plymouth Rocks came step- ping out, triumphant, expect- ant, with visions of touring the world, and enjoying the fullness thereof. He, worthy, apparently in comfortable circumstances, with the bearing of a leader; she, in the first beauty of ma- turity, plump and satisfied. Strolling behind, in conver- sational distance, a dapper young game-cock is gallantly attentive. She glances over her wing once or twice, then sets her face determinedly toward the path of duty. Then more efforts from the rear, flirtations set in. Her preoccupied mate con- demns her behavior, with mut- tered scoldings. She jerks herself together and dully follows. An hour later, Lord Do- No, this is not a fight. office of an Osteopath. minique walks alone. Slowly ap- proaching the barn-yard in splendid righteous indignation, devoid of self- criticism, and with a total lack of understanding. 10 It’s a scene in the She obviously happy in the sun- shine of pleasant flattery and un- accustomed courtesies, has wandered dangerously near the forbidden flower garden. Then something happened—was it a missile, or was it the watch dog? Frightened, fluttering, part running, half flying, hys- terically screaming, she too seeks the barn-yard, but the gate is closed. Her escort spreads his long willowy wings, and easily flies over the fence. Unequal to the flight, she remains alone—“beyond the pale.” OTempora! O Mores! By J. B. SPRAGUE HEN Ma took the children to walk down the street, “Hold tight to my skirt,” she would teach ’em. Alas! 'tis a rule that is now obsolete ; Good Lord, the kids can’t even reach em! comicbooks.com