Life — February 21, 1918 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Pessimist - Give Him the Hook!" This World War I-era political cartoon satirizes defeatist sentiment during the conflict. A gaunt figure labeled "Gloom" stands on a stage holding a placard expressing extreme pessimism about France's prospects: the country is "exhausted," business ruined, soldiers will be killed, money will vanish. Below the stage, figures with theatrical hooks attempt to remove this "Pessimist" character—literally trying to give him "the hook" (vaudeville slang for removing a poor performer). The cartoon mocks those spreading defeatist talk during wartime, treating such negativity as unwanted entertainment that should be forcibly removed. It's propaganda encouraging optimism and discouraging public expressions of doubt about Allied victory.