Life — March 15, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Give Him the Hook!" This cartoon depicts a theatrical performance where an acrobat or performer is actively performing on stage while an audience of devils watches from seats below. The sign reading "OLD TIME CARVER" visible in the upper portion suggests a reference to a specific public figure or personality of the era. The caption "Give Him the Hook!" refers to the vaudeville practice of using a hook to pull failed performers off stage. This cartoon likely satirizes a contemporary public figure—possibly a politician or entertainer—whose performance the cartoonist believed deserved removal. The devilish audience suggests moral disapproval or suggests the performer is appealing to base instincts rather than worthy pursuits. Without more specific dating or attribution, the exact target remains unclear.