Life — May 9, 1918 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 748 This page contains two distinct sections: **"The Ship of France"** - A patriotic poem praising French naval courage, attributed to Richard Le Gallienne. It celebrates France as a brave vessel navigating dangerous seas, using maritime metaphors for national pride and freedom. **"Past History Rewritten"** - A satirical piece mocking bureaucratic incompetence. Two unnamed gentlemen are tasked with finishing creation of "the world," but their work is interrupted by contradictory orders requiring complete restarts. The satire critiques administrative dysfunction and endless revision—likely commentary on wartime or contemporary government inefficiency. **"Target Practice"** - Four cartoon panels (right side) depict "Fritz" (German soldier stereotype) and "Pickelheim" in military training scenarios, showing Allied soldiers' competitive target practice with German opponents. This reflects WWI-era satirical humor. **"Some Real Wants"** - Brief section sardonically listing wartime labor shortages and profiteering.