Life — September 1, 1921 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of This Life Magazine Page This page contains a narrative story titled "The Tale of a Sensitive Girl" by Erdman Harris, illustrated with a sketch showing five men in a rural setting—a parson, well-dressed gentleman, and laborers with a cart. The story concerns a man who shot two women dead during a theatrical performance, apparently to prevent them from "spoiling the pleasure of others." When questioned about killing them, he responds they were "oblivious" and undeserving of happiness. The authorities sent him to an asylum rather than prosecuting him criminally. The satire appears to mock misogyny and the tendency to excuse or minimize violence against women through claims of moral righteousness. The "sensitive girl" title is ironic—the real sensitivity belongs to the violent man who cannot tolerate women's presence.