Life — May 1, 1919 — page 24: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicting three figures carrying large books labeled "LAWS" approaching a person lying on the ground labeled "PROHIBITION." The figure on the left wears a band marked "PROHIBITION" and appears weakened or defeated. The satire targets Prohibition-era lawmaking. The three figures—likely representing legislators or government officials—are shown burdened by the weight of new laws, while Prohibition itself lies prostrate, suggesting the policy has failed or is dying despite legislative efforts to sustain it. The caption "A plague o' both your houses" references Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, implying the proliferation of laws is itself a curse. This mocks the contradictions and failures of Prohibition enforcement through excessive legislation.