Judge — September 23, 1922 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts college students' humorous resolutions to study hard in various subjects. Each panel shows a student making earnest promises about self-improvement—studying calculus, zoology, entomology, and music—yet the illustrations undercut their declarations with comedic irony. The joke relies on visual contradiction: while students recite serious academic intentions, the drawings show them engaged in chaotic, silly behavior instead. For instance, the music student promises dedication while sitting awkwardly; the entomology student appears to be jumping around wildly rather than studying insects scientifically. This reflects early 20th-century humor about college life and youthful procrastination—the gap between stated ambitions and actual behavior. Held was known for capturing Jazz Age collegiate culture with witty illustrations that gently mocked student pretensions about academic rigor.