Life, 1913-11-27 · page 7 of 40
Life — November 27, 1913 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This illustration depicts a man in dark clothing viewing a modest house with a "For Rent" and "Sale" sign, surrounded by an overgrown, neglected garden. The caption references the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son. The satire appears to comment on economic hardship or property decline—likely depicting someone returning home after absence to find their residence abandoned, in disrepair, or sold. The juxtaposition with the Japanese proverb about Fortune calling at the "Smiling Gate" emphasizes irony: while the proverb promises eventual good fortune to those who remain patient and cheerful, this figure finds only decay and loss. The cartoon likely satirizes economic anxiety of early 20th-century America—unemployment, foreclosure, or homelessness—contrasting optimistic folk wisdom with harsh reality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Japanese Proverb For Mistress Fortune—a woman still— Will travel many a mile, Past Gates that glower their haughty fill Past Gates that are dull and lifeless-still, Till at last she comes, as she surely will, Where you give her smile for smile. # RTUNE will call at the Smiling Gate.” Friend, you will find it so. She may be early, she may be late, But come she will, and in royal state. And if you but work, while you smile and wait, Nevermore forth she'll go. THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL