Life — August 14, 1924 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Elise Dinsmore's Flaming Youth" by Henry William Hanemann This satirical story mocks the "flaming youth" trend of the 1920s—young people, especially women, rebelling against Victorian propriety through modern behaviors like smoking, drinking, and casual dating. The narrative follows young Elise, whose father Mr. Dinsmore attempts to maintain strict parental control. Her suitor Arval Fullish represents the modern young man. The humor derives from generational conflict: Elise's father forbids her socializing, while she pursues independent activities (tennis, parties, drinking). The accompanying illustration depicts fashionable young people in 1920s attire—the woman in a modern dress with a tennis racket, embodying the "new woman" challenging traditional gender roles and parental authority. The satire targets both rebellious youth and anxious parents attempting to police their behavior.