Life — November 10, 1921 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Cartoon Analysis This single-panel cartoon by P. L. Crosby depicts a solitary figure standing in heavy rain in a barren landscape, with a distant house visible on the horizon. The figure appears to be waiting or standing watch. The caption reads: "If she don't show up pretty soon, I'm goin' to bust this date—that's all." The humor relies on the contrast between the figure's determined patience despite miserable weather conditions, and their threat to abandon the date. It's a commentary on dating etiquette and romantic frustration—the joke being that even in such terrible circumstances, the waiting suitor maintains their commitment while simultaneously complaining about it. The satire gently mocks both romantic devotion and male impatience in courtship situations typical of early-to-mid 20th century social dynamics.