Life — July 25, 1918 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine Page Analysis This page combines biographical sketches with satirical humor typical of early 20th-century Life magazine. **"Life's Horoscopes"** by William C. Redfield features two portrait-accompanied character sketches: 1. **William C. Redfield** - described as a Brooklyn gentleman with refined taste, characterized through his social affiliations (Dog Star Club, Vice-President of Commerce Department). The satire mocks his pretensions to sophistication. 2. **Reed Smoot** - depicted with orange blossoms and poetic language about Mars and Venus, journeyed to Washington in March 1902. The text's flowery descriptions appear ironically incongruous with his political career. The page also includes "Paid Insertions" (classified ads) and a sketch titled "Self-Consciousness" showing a figure in water. These sections represent Life's typical mix of satire, practical humor, and commercial content for educated, affluent readers.