Life — July 21, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page contains a satirical poem titled "Signs of Age" by Mabel Haughton Collyer, critiquing America's perceived decline. The poem contrasts the nation's youthful ideals with present realities—censorship, blue laws, lost virtue, and European perceptions of American aging. The cartoon "Marine Zoo" features a doctor and woman on a ship discussing sea serpents. The joke relies on double meaning: "passengers are seeing a lot of them" likely refers to both literal sea creatures and passengers experiencing hallucinations or drunkenness (possibly from Prohibition-era alcohol or stress). The satirical point appears to target either maritime oddities, public intoxication, or psychological strain among travelers during this era. Both pieces express concern about American society's moral and cultural trajectory.