Life — October 23, 1913 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily a **Fatima cigarette advertisement** rather than political satire. The upper illustration shows five formally dressed men at what appears to be a formal dinner, engaged in conversation—a scene designed to associate the product with sophistication and upper-class leisure. The ad quotes a "Noted Englishman" making an observation about American consumer behavior: people buy things either because they're expensive or cheap. The advertiser then claims Fatima cigarettes are purchased for neither reason, but rather for their distinctive "character" and "quality." The tagline "Distinctively Individual" emphasizes the product's supposed uniqueness. At 15¢ per package, this appears positioned as a mid-range, quality product. The overall message targets affluent male consumers seeking refined taste and sophistication.