Life — November 29, 1917 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a theatrical or cinematic still from 1917, not a political cartoon. The image shows two figures in formal attire gazing into a crystal ball, with the caption "WHERE TWO CAN LIVE AS CHEAPLY AS ONE." The satire targets the economics of marriage, particularly relevant during World War I when cost of living was rising. The couple consulting a fortune teller suggests young people seeking magical solutions to financial hardship rather than practical ones. The caption—a common saying about shared household expenses—is presented ironically: the crystal ball (literally obscuring their vision) implies they're deluded about marriage's financial realities. The photograph is credited to "Paul Stahr" at bottom. This is likely an advertisement or entertainment feature rather than direct political commentary.