Life — October 11, 1917 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 579 This page contains two editorial cartoons about World War I food rationing and sacrifice. The top cartoon, "Helping Wifey," depicts a woman at an oar in a boat labeled "To Starve" while a man helps row. The accompanying text discusses French soldiers cleaning their knives with bread—a dark joke about severe food shortages—and argues that Americans must voluntarily accept rationing to help feed Europe. The bottom cartoon, "That Cheerful Moment When Your Friends Tell You What You Did Last Night," shows people gathered around a hospital bed, likely referencing alcohol prohibition and its effects on social behavior. Both cartoons use humor to promote wartime sacrifice and compliance with government food conservation policies, addressing American civilians' responsibility during the ongoing conflict.