Life, 1919-09-04 · page 19 of 48
Life — September 4, 1919 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"The First Morning After Vacation"** (top cartoon): A man at his desk, surrounded by thought-bubbles showing idealized vacation scenes, contrasts sharply with his cramped reality. The satire mocks the gap between vacation fantasies and the mundane work-life that awaits—a timeless commentary on returning to the office. **Text section on women's fitness**: Sarcastically encourages women to exercise, citing that even great historical men (Socrates, Caesar, Byron, Nelson, Poe) had physical flaws, implying women should work harder to maintain perfection. This reflects early 20th-century anxieties about women's bodies and appearance. **"Whirlwinds" section**: A political/social commentary (unclear exactly which policy or event, but mentions "neutrality," "idealism," and "Europe"), criticizing someone or some group for promoting ideals while preparing for conflict. **Bottom cartoon**: A prisoner remarks he doesn't believe in "the majesty of the law," satirizing the legal system as corrupt and unreliable—comparing it unfavorably to other "majesties." The page blends humor with social criticism typical of Life magazine's satirical approach.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE FIRST MORNING AFTER VACATION direct your attention to the other half of humanity Socrates had warts; Caesar was bald; Byron and Achilles had foot trouble; Nelson was blind in one eye, and Poe harbored a thirst which was considered an anachronism even in his generation. Surely, had these notorious char- acters been of the opposite sex we had never been familiar with their defects. Nay, the very defects would never have presumed to become so familiar with their persons Hie you, then, my daughters, to the gymnasiur Pull the chest-weights; swing on the bars. Figures may: lic, but who lies ‘round much will never keep a figure; and you must be numbered among those perfect products of hardi- hood who are destined to become the polished corners of the temple, votaries of beauty, a joy forever. Whirlwinds \VuIRLWINDS have been springing up from time im- memorial. The business of reaping them is still going merrily on. To be reaped properly, a whirlwind should be for several years in advance. Meanwhile, preach neutrality and idealisms, and travel in Europe S° you don’t believe in the majesty of the law?” “T certainly don’t. Every other majesty [ know about is shiftless, irresponsible, more or less of a figurehead. Guard: YES, SIR, THIS SECTION IS DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO THE UNPORTUNATES WHO TRIED TO READ ALL THE BOOKS cruel, useless, superfluous, careless, indifferent and unjust.” WRITTEN BY OUR KETUKNED HEKOES comicbooks.com