Life — April 13, 1916 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 684 The cartoon titled "Rejecting His First Play" depicts two men in period costume. The figure on the left, wearing an elaborate feathered hat and striped doublet, appears to be a theater producer or patron rejecting a manuscript from the figure on the right. The caption advises the rejected playwright to "Learn real wit and humor from Life, Mr. Shakespeare." This is satirical commentary on Shakespeare's early work, humorously suggesting his initial plays were poor enough to warrant rejection. The joke positions Life magazine as a superior source of wit and humor compared to the young Shakespeare's efforts—a tongue-in-cheek advertisement for the magazine's comedic content. The page announces that the next issue will be dedicated to Shakespeare's memory.