Life — November 16, 1911 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine features a satirical cartoon titled "Some Chicago Deputantes" with accompanying verse titled "Ave Chicago!" **The Cartoon:** The illustration depicts what appears to be Chicago political or social figures depicted as exaggerated, portly characters in formal dress at what the caption describes as "a court" where "the Duchess of Hamburge presented the Misses Bull to their Majesties." The heavy caricaturing suggests mockery of Chicago's social elite or political establishment. **The Satire:** The poem "Ave Chicago!" uses mock-heroic language praising Chicago while simultaneously critiquing it—referencing the Cubs baseball team, calling citizens "modest, brave and clever," and sarcastically praising their "fair" maids and "spotless" streets. The final stanza suggests Chicago residents are foolish but claims their worth anyway. The overall intent appears to be good-natured ridicule of Chicago's aspirations to cultural sophistication and social refinement.