Life — April 25, 1907 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Teddyssey" - Life Magazine Satire This page satirizes President Theodore Roosevelt ("Teddy") and his children, framing them as classical Greek/Roman figures embarking on an epic journey. The main illustration shows women and children in classical dress, referencing Homer's *Odyssey*. The left column mocks Roosevelt with a poem addressing him as "DEAR THEODORE," criticizing his rough persona ("Rough Riding 'Teddy'") while praising his children. "The Odor of Unsancity" jokes about Roosevelt's social position. The center column lists literary character archetypes matched with authors, appearing to mock contemporary writers' pretensions. "The Exception" section, with its photograph and caption "Mother's Going Fishing," satirizes social class and gender expectations—suggesting ironic commentary on aristocratic behavior versus ordinary life.