Life, 1921-12-08 · page 7 of 34
Life — December 8, 1921 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical narrative poem illustrated by John Held Jr. about female empowerment disguised as a fairy tale. "The White Pearl" appears to be an allegory where a woman rises from lowly status through strength and cunning to ultimately gain power. The story progresses from her being undervalued ("The Female rated rather low") through her becoming physically strong via "healthy exercise," learning to manipulate men through "artful coquetries," and finally achieving a position of hidden authority—"rule the ruler—though unknown." The satire likely mocks both contemporary debates about women's roles and the notion that female power must remain concealed. The "trapper caught in his own trap" ending suggests the male protagonist is outwitted by his underestimated female counterpart.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The White Pearl Verses by George Mitchell Drawings by John Held, Jr. A-many, many years ago The Female rated rather low. A diffrent creature—one might say— From that fair thing we see to-day. She had to work much harder then, Persuaded often by rough men, Who daily grew in strength and size By dint of healthy exercise. But, ever crafty and alert, The cunning creature learned to flirt, And so, with artful coquetries, Soon had her keeper on his knees. With rapid strides she grew in grace Until she filled a lofty place, Not on, but just behind the Throne, To rule the ruler—though unknown. The consequence—'tis plain to see— Mere Bagatelle for such as she: Full many a King did blush unseen In the effulgence of his Queen. And now, victorious at last, She rises from a dismal past: The trapper’s caught in his own trap— She’s all but pushed Man off the map. comicbooks.com