Life — September 6, 1917 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page mocks wealthy people's pretensions and lifestyle choices. The cartoon depicts various wealthy figures engaging in absurd "economizing" behaviors: - **Mrs. Ava/Du Pois** climbs stairs herself rather than being carried - **Mr. and Mrs. Zachs Dodger** summer in their own backyard instead of traveling - **Mr. Confident Burdon** appears to practice some form of self-sufficiency - **Mr. Toby Trotter** engages in another economical activity The satire's point: despite claiming financial hardship or frugality, the wealthy still maintain their pretentious lifestyles—their "economies" are laughably trivial compared to actual working-class constraints. The humor lies in the gap between their claim to economize and their continued privileged circumstances. This likely reflects post-WWI or Depression-era commentary on wealthy Americans claiming hardship while remaining fundamentally affluent.