Life, 1917-02-08 · page 4 of 42
Life — February 8, 1917 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 204 This page features a satirical cartoon depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Eve reassures Adam that despite having to till soil for eight hours daily, their "Garden of Eden Number" will soon be published, after which "we shall come into our own." The satire targets **labor conditions and economic inequality** of the era. The cartoon suggests that working-class people (represented by Adam and Eve) are promised future prosperity through some publication or scheme, similar to how workers were often sold false promises of upward mobility. The accompanying "Triumphant Notice" announces Life's collection of Adam and Eve pictures coming February 20th, functioning as self-promotion while reinforcing the cartoon's satirical message about exploitation and deferred rewards.