Life, 1920-05-20 · page 20 of 48
Life — May 20, 1920 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon mocks European monarchy by showing foreign royalties literally bowing and scraping before common Americans, satirizing the notion that democratic America offers the "real homage" they seek—a jab at American obsession with foreign titles and aristocracy. The bottom sketch, "Passing a Crisis," depicts an "ideal domestic state" of the future. It shows a wife managing finances and property leases while her husband lounges passively. The satire targets anxieties about women's growing independence and economic power in early 20th-century America. The wife handles business matters, makes decisions, and reads to her husband—reversing traditional gender roles. The final caption about "the O'Hooleys" living together again suggests this role-reversal is scandalous enough to fuel neighborhood gossip, mocking both concerns about changing women's roles and working-class social dynamics.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WHEN FOREIGN ROYALTIES WANT REAL HOMAGE, LET THEM COME TO DEMOCRATIC AMERICA Passing a Crisis 1 Short Glimpse into the Future, Showing the Ideal Domestic State At rather HE. (smiting brightly) the leases Well, darling, I am just finishing f your houses, and will have them ready for you to read and sign presently, T think you will find them quite all right He: I've no doubt of it. You do things so well. Suppose I must read them over. Wish you might have the pieces trans- ferred to you. It's a hore having to read papers. Sue (seratehing) > Never mind; it won't take long. And it’s only a matter of form, Have a pleasant ride? He: Dusty, but not bad; air makes me sleepy. ()ucens.) Sur: Shall we play a game of cribbage? He: up to it, thanks Sue: Suppose I read to you a while. T had some work to finish up, but it can wait He: thanks. You've caught cold, you know, and your voice is a bit husky; not that.eI mind too much. “AM, SURE! THE O'HOOLEYS MUST BE LIVIN’ TOGETHER AGIN comicbooks.com