Life — August 6, 1914 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Cut Out" - Life Magazine Satire This page contains a fictional story illustrated by Mary Lane McMillan about Aladdin and a genie. The narrative satirizes literary fandom and author worship. **The Plot:** Aladdin rubs a lamp and requests personal, intimate conversations with all his favorite authors—both living and dead. The genie grants this wish but later returns, angry that Aladdin has made him a "heart-to-heart" confidant. Aladdin complains he's been "cut out" from his favorite authors' company because the genie has replaced him in their affections. **The Satire:** This mocks readers' unrealistic fantasies about meeting beloved authors personally. The twist—that obtaining this wish actually *alienates* the reader from the authors—suggests that personal relationships with writers destroy the idealized connection readers imagine through their books. The genie's role-reversal cleverly comments on fan delusion.