Judge — May 26, 1923 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a satirical illustration by James Montgomery Flagg depicting a nightmare scene. The central figure in bed is likely representing someone involved with Prohibition enforcement, based on the dialogue mentioning "old Prohibition" as their "greatest ambition." The grotesque creatures surrounding the sleeping figure—appearing demonic or nightmarish—suggest anxiety about Prohibition's consequences or enforcement. The quote "What a harvest I reap! It tickles your newly a head—My greatest ambition was old Prohibition—The gosh darn thing works while I sleep!" indicates ironic commentary: perhaps that Prohibition's enforcement is creating unintended chaos or criminality despite the reformer's intentions. The symbols at the bottom (appearing to be bottles or alcohol-related imagery) reinforce the alcohol/Prohibition theme typical of Judge magazine's satirical commentary on American policy debates.