Life — December 13, 1917 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 998 This page presents WWI-era commentary on German espionage and treatment of civilians. The main dialogue piece "American Exhibits—Yesterday" and "Today" satirizes American naiveté about German spies operating freely in the U.S., contrasting optimistic assumptions with harsher wartime realities. The illustration titled "Modern Mother" depicts a woman smoking a cigarette while holding a child, captioned as "MABEL, HOLD YOUR CIGARETTE STRAIGHT. THAT AIN'T A LADY-LIKE WAY TO SMOKE"—satirizing changing social mores and women's smoking habits during this period. The "Immediately Moderate" section references Norman Hapgood's criticism of German brutality toward women, calling for measured but firm condemnation. The small cartoon labeled "Food Control" appears to address rationing concerns. The overall tone reflects wartime anxieties about security and social change.