Life — March 30, 1922 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis The cartoon "How to Be Happy Though Married—or Single" depicts seven figures seated together reading magazines or newspapers, representing different marital statuses. The satire appears to mock the notion that happiness depends on relationship status—the title's ironic dash suggests married and single people are equally capable of contentment (or discontent). The accompanying text is actually an advertisement disguised as editorial content, urging readers to subscribe to *Life* magazine. The publisher uses mock-earnest language ("Be Prepared for a Great Surprise," "Obey that impulse") to encourage subscriptions, promising the summer issues will be "humorous" and "fresh." The ad emphasizes subscription exclusivity and pricing, undercutting its own casual tone with commercial intent—a self-aware satire of advertising practices itself.