Life — April 10, 1919 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Alien" - Analysis This page contains a poem by Maurine Halliburton titled "The Alien," told from a dachshund's perspective. The poem expresses the dog's longing for its original owner who "came from a land across the sea" and went away to fight, leaving the pet unwanted and homeless. The satire appears to reference anti-German sentiment during or after World War I. Dachshunds—a German breed—faced discrimination in America during this period, often viewed as "alien" due to their nationality of origin. The poem humorously personifies this prejudice through the dog's voice, highlighting how innocent creatures suffered collateral damage from wartime xenophobia. The accompanying illustration depicts a domestic scene, emphasizing the pet's displacement and rejection despite its loyalty.