Life — March 28, 1918 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "April Fool" - Life Magazine, March 28, 1918 This illustration depicts an April Fool's Day prank playing out at a delicatessen storefront. A well-dressed man peers into the shop window, apparently fooled by what appears to be an elaborate display. A child outside holds a sign reading "APRIL FOOL," indicating the man is the victim of a practical joke. The cartoon's humor relies on the classic April Fool's tradition of tricks and deception. The "Delicatessen" sign and various shop items visible suggest the prank may involve the window display itself—possibly items are fake or arranged deceptively. Published during World War I, the image offers light domestic humor, providing satirical relief from wartime concerns through this innocent, timeless prank scenario.