Life — April 15, 1920 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 696 This page contains three satirical cartoons commenting on post-WWI American society: **"A Dirge"** (left): A poem mocking various American institutions—Chesterfields, Tareytons, and elite social venues—suggesting they will disappear. It references the Anti-Cigarette League's activism and implies sweeping social reform ("old weeds will be shortly stamped out"). **"Spring Fever"** (top right): A sketch depicting leisure activities, likely satirizing idle recreation during a period of social change. **"W.C.T.U.: No, My Boy, You Shouldn't Use It"** (bottom right): References the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which championed Prohibition. The dramatic lighting and cautionary caption suggest satire of anti-alcohol activism that was gaining legislative force in the 1920s. The overall page reflects Life's satirical stance on American reform movements, particularly Prohibition and cigarette restrictions.