Life, 1918-02-14 · page 4 of 40
Life — February 14, 1918 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
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.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copr. Life Pub. Co. For the Best Title to this Picture we will not actually give you anything, But— Read the full explanation and conditions printed herewith: Our Own Strictly Private Contest Conditions The picture printed above represents a certain “ psychological” situation. Is the man happy? Ought he to be doing something else? How do you think he feels? This is for you to determine. This contest is open to anyone who feels that unless he becomes immediately a subscriber to Lire, life will not be worth living No title shall consist of more than three words. In case these words meet \ with our approval, you will have the privilege of sending a check at once for the \ full yearly subscription for the proper amount, whatever that is. (See coupon on this page, placed there without our permission by the B. O.) “Biter! In case you are dissatisfied with the terms of this contest, write us a long Boclosed |. letter, on both sides of the paper, in your own handwriting, and explain your (Canadian personal feelings ; also tell us when the war will end, and your reasons. 13, Foreiga eee as to . This picture will never be printed again in Lire, nor will this superb ‘ contest ever be referred to. But if it shall be the means of getting a few thousand of our fellow citizens to subscribe to this occasionally humor- ous paper, we shall not have lived in vain. Open. only to new subscribers; no sub- scriptions renewed at this rate. Several sample copies will LIFE, 17 West gist Street, New York... 27 be sent to any address on - receipt of ten cents. One Year, $5.00. (Canadian, $5.52; Foreign, $6.04.) comicbooks eanmg