Life, 1898-01-06 · page 5 of 20
Life — January 6, 1898 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of "Calendar" Page from Life Magazine This page presents a allegorical calendar where a bearded old man (representing Father Time or the year itself) experiences monthly trials. The accompanying verses describe progressively worsening conditions: strain in January, lost temper by February, loss of shape by March, water cure in April, disagreeable behavior through May, and by summer, a fundamental change occurs. The narrative arc suggests commentary on a year of national crisis or conflict—likely World War I, given the references to fever, morgues, painted country "red" (bloodshed), and eventually the nation recovering from shock. The decorative cherubs and seasonal imagery frame this serious political message within an artistic, almost whimsical design typical of Life's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Said Father Yempus, Ihave a plan, But the strain was sogreat that byand by 4 I'm going to swear off on the first of Hz was taken with fever in 2 JAN. JULY. But his resolution began to ebb, He only just exeaped the morgue, He was tio days shy by the end of His temperature was s0 high in AUG. Then he lost his temper and went so far Never were resolutions kept As to bawi avd bluster all through So well as in convalescent MAR. SEPT. He puffed and blew ll he spoiled his shape, When he recovered the world was shockea, So he took the water cure in For he painted the country red in AP. OCT. He tookva shower bath every day, Then he howled and raged tike a flend in love. And was most disagreeable all through He was full as could be of remorse in MAY. NOV. | Then Summer came and he changed histune— It's plain, said he, this thing must cease, Any Fool can be good in PU seear off again—at the end of DEC. Oliver Herford. rps Gah comicbooks.com