Life — February 14, 1918 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine features a contest rather than a political cartoon. The illustration shows a man relaxing in a rocking chair, reading *Life* magazine, appearing content or perhaps idle. The contest invites readers to interpret the man's psychological state: "Is the man happy? Ought he to be doing something else? How do you think he feels?" Entries are limited to three words. The satire appears gentle—the contest itself is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, jokingly suggesting that only *Life* magazine subscribers can achieve such contentment. The text notes this "occasionally humorous paper" hopes subscriptions will result from the contest. This reflects early 20th-century American magazine culture, where *Life* positioned itself as essential reading for the educated class.