Life — December 20, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page contains two separate items: **Top illustration:** A humorous sketch titled "A Toy Terrier" showing a small dog chasing a large figure—likely a visual pun about toy terriers being disproportionately aggressive despite their size. **Main cartoon and article:** "The Willowbys' Ward" depicts a formal gathering where a military or government official appears to be presenting or discussing something with civilians. Below it, the "Notice to All Killjoys" is a satirical piece by the Society for the Prevention of Christmas Cheer, ironically complaining about wartime hardships (rationing, taxation, young men being killed) and sarcastically calling for a "spirit of Christmas" and national unity. The tone mocks those who might complain about sacrifices during wartime—likely WWI era based on the military uniforms and economic references.