Life — November 11, 1920 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: "Almost Successful" The main cartoon by James Montgomery Flagg depicts a young woman attempting to complete her costume for what appears to be a social event or party. The accompanying verse explains she's trying to "make both ends meet"—a pun on both literally fastening her dress and the financial struggle of living on a limited budget during what appears to be the post-WWI era. The satire targets the economic pressures on working-class women, particularly those seeking to maintain social respectability through proper appearance despite financial constraints. The cartoon's title suggests she "almost" succeeds, implying the constant difficulty of managing expenses while keeping up appearances—a common concern during economically uncertain periods.