Life — June 30, 1921 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a rural or working-class scene where a couple appears to be responding to a classified advertisement. The sketch shows a farmyard setting with laundry hanging, wooden structures, and various domestic animals. The humor likely stems from the contrast between what the advertisement promised and the couple's actual circumstances or living conditions—a common satirical theme. The "ad" they're answering to is not visible, leaving readers to infer what opportunity or product they're responding to, with the implication that their situation makes their response somewhat absurd or pathetic. The cartoon is signed by J.R. Shuetz and represents typical early-to-mid 20th century Life magazine social commentary about working-class American life.