Life — June 1, 1911 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents a sentimental poem about home paired with a Biblical allegory cartoon. The poem emphasizes that a house requires loving inhabitants—family or close companions—to constitute a true "home." The cartoon below illustrates "The Wise and Foolish Virgins," a parable from Matthew 25 about preparedness and readiness. The left panel shows wise virgins with lamps (prepared), while the right shows foolish virgins without lamps (unprepared), apparently turned away at a gate. The satirical application likely critiques social unpreparedness or lack of foresight—possibly regarding domestic life or social obligations—suggesting that wisdom requires proper preparation, just as the biblical virgins needed oil for their lamps. The connection between text and image suggests "home" requires not just presence but thoughtful, prepared love.