Life, 1921-11-17 · page 23 of 34
Life — November 17, 1921 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine (circa 1921) contains a satirical sketch mocking Napoleon Bonaparte after his defeat at Waterloo. The humor depends on subverting expectations: rather than depicting Napoleon devastated by military defeat, the sketch shows him relieved to be rid of his ex-wife Josephine, who abandoned him upon learning of his loss. The satire's point is twofold—it trivializes Napoleon's historic downfall by making his personal embarrassment the real concern, and it portrays Josephine as a shallow social climber who only valued him for his power and status. The reference to St. Helena (where Napoleon was actually exiled) adds historical accuracy for contemporary readers familiar with this fact. The page also includes unrelated poetry and a joke about cow bells, plus a *Life* magazine contest inviting readers to title an accompanying illustration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
After the Battle IME: Immediately after the battle of Waterloo. Scene: Napoleon’s Palace. Vupoleon enters and hands his hat and coat to an at- tendant. Josephine, who has been awaiting his return, rushes up to him, JoserHINE: Well, how did you come out? N\roLeon (without looking at her),: ‘We lost. JosEPHINE (stopping short): What! Why, you told me you couldn't lose. N poLEon (sitting on lounge and starting to remove his army boo I know I did, but accidents will happen. JosepnInE: Oh, this is terrible! I was:telling everyone you were unbeatable. Now I'll be embarrassed to death. N\roLeon (taking bedroom slippers from attendant and puting them on): 1 always said you talked too much. JosEPHINE: Only the other day I was playing bridge with Mrs. Wellington and two other ladies, and I was saying how casily you expected to beat the English at Waterloo. Why, I won't be able to look them in the face after this! Naroteon: You probably won't get the chance. I shouldn't be surprised if you moved out to St. Helena in the near future. Joseputne: What's the big idea? If you think I’m go- ing to live in the suburbs you’ve got another guess coming. NaPoLEON (going to her and attempting to put his arm around her): Come, dear; you wouldn't quit me after all these years just because I’m a little down on my luck? JOSEPHINE (repulsing his advances): Oh, I wouldn't! I didn’t marry you to live in a bungalow and eat rambler roses. Napoteon: Don't be foolish, dear; you'd have all the comforts of home. We'd have Pierre down to cook for us and you could have your friends down every week-end. JosepHINE: Nothing doing—I’m through. I married the Emperor of France, not a second-hand hermit. Good-by. Napoteon (watches her leave the room. He hurries across to the window; a moment later there is the sound o/ an automobile driving away): At last! At last! (He ies his face in his hands, overcome with emotion.) 1 had to sacrifice France to do it, but at last I’m rid of her. (/le rings bell. Enter man-servant.) Pack my things im- mediately. I’m leaving on the next boat for St. Helena. Gerald D, Heller. What Is the Use? Wuy ask her to choose between Morals and Style? With prudish contentions why vex her? Iler answer is just a superior smile. \\hy ask her to choose between Morals and Style? lier code is the Fashion Plate all of the while,— She’s a woman. Why would you unsex her? Why ask her to choose between Morals and Style? With prudish contentions why vex her? Stokely S. Fisher. ALGERNON (city cousin): What has that cow got the hell strapped ’round her neck for? Bossy: That's to call the calf when dinner’s ready. What Is the Best Title for This Picture? LIFE’S Title Contest For the best title to the picture on this page Lire will award prizes as follows: First Prize... . . . . . « « $500.00 Second Prize, . . . . . $300.00 Third Prize, . . . . . . . $200.00 Tue contest will be governed by the following RULES By “best” is understood that title which most cleverly describes the situation shown in the picture. The contest is now open, and open to everybody. It will close at noon on December 5, 1921. All titles should be addressed to Lire’s Picture Title Con- test, 598 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y. Envelopes should contain nothing but the competing titles, typewritten or plainly written, with the name and address of the sender on each sheet. Use one side of paper only. Titles will be judged by three members of Lir torial Staff, and their decision will be final. Titles may be original or may be a quotation from some well-known author. Contestants may send in more than one title. In case of ties, the full amount of the prize will be given to each tying contestant. The final award will be announced as carly as possible after the close of the contest. Of this due notice will be given. Checks will be sent simultaneously with the an- nouncement of the award. The members of the staff of Lire are of course barred out of this contest. 's_ Edi- comicbooks.com