Life — September 26, 1918 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 442 This page contains two satirical pieces about World War I: **"When the Boys Come Back"** critiques how returning soldiers will be evaluated—politicians will demand soldiers' service records and accomplishments, while questioning their valor and contributions. The satire suggests this interrogation will be difficult to manage fairly. **"The Fall of Berlin"** depicts German prisoners of war in Berlin being put to work cleaning the Imperial Palace courtyards. The cartoon satirizes the irony of defeated enemies laboring in the enemy's capital. The accompanying "Commanding General" orders are absurdist military humor, mocking military bureaucracy through exaggerated, contradictory commands about prisoner treatment. Both pieces reflect American WWI-era attitudes toward soldiers' homecoming and enemy occupation.