Life, 1924-08-14 · page 12 of 36
Life — August 14, 1924 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
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.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIPE > Elise Dinsmore’s Flaming Youth By Henry William Hanemann LISE,” said Mr, Horace Dinsmore to his natural repugnance of the idea. “That would hardly be com beautiful little daughter of that name, “I shall patible with my maidenly reserve. I shall call you ‘Mr. A.’ give you a party, next week. I desire you to “Delighted,” replied Fullish, making a deep bow. have a suitable occasion to meet the young “And now,” said Elise, “we shall start the party by hav- c son of a good friend of mine. His name is ing a round of what, I believe, are known as ‘cock-tails.” Mr. Arval Fullish. I trust you and he will Although,” she added mischievously, “[ haven't the slightest =. become fast friend idea what's in them.” Not fast, Pap: lise reproached gently, After the cocktails, Arval Fullish waggishly suggested blushing to the roots of her golden hair, “but that Elise sit on his lap. But Elise demurred, ing that close, if you so desire it.” it would be a great pity to ruin the crease in his new “L do, I do indeed, my treasure,” said Mr. pantaloons. So it was decided that he sit on her lap. Dinsmore. “And now I must take e¢ of you for a con- As he took his departure at the end of the party, Arval stitutional upon my new tricycle. -by, my love.” Fullish gave Elise an unmistakably tender look. 300d-by, my dearest Papa,” repl Elise, watching his “Shall [ sce you again?” he asked. jaunty egress with adoring eyes. “Thank you for my “Not unless,” she replied archly, “you desist from imbib- coming party—and do take care of your sinus trouble.” ing wood alcohol.” Elise was ever considerate, ever thoughtful. This time, she had excellent reason to be thoughtful Doubt a torment troubled her pure young soul. Eager “T ITTLE daughter,” declared Mr. Dinsmore, some time as she was to comply with every wish of her dearest later, “you have been secing much of young Fullish. papa, she had heard rumors that. Mr. Fullish was not He desires the honor of making you his bride, Is it not all he should be, She had heard that he had been time you gave him your reply?” sent from New Haven for cheating at his examinations. (Continued on page 27) “Even if I could care," she mused, “I couldn't care for any one who would do a thing like that and get caught at it!” Chapter Fourth Chapter Second OOP-E Miss se,” exclaimed Aunty Chloe as she entered the bou- doir of her little nursling, “is yo" raidy to ease yo’ pusson into dese-yah struttin’ clo'es ovah an’ against de approximatin’ admonished the hal- lowed child, “cease this unseemly exuber- ance, I beseech you!" cuse me, Miss Etise,” replied the old mammy, soberit instantly (although a sly twinkle remained in her eye) Chapter Third VERAL hours later, faultlessly yet modestly arrayed, Elise Dinsmore de- scended the broad staircase of Roselands. “Oh, Elise.” said Margaret Minton, a handsome young girl of nineteen summers, “here you are at las:! Allow me to pre- sent Mr. Arval Fullish.” “How do you do, Mr. Fullish?” replied “Please don’t call me ‘Mr. Fullish, ” he said, giving Elise a tender look. “My father and your father are old friends. Call me IN 1897 ‘Arval.’" He was a forward youth, but Wentworth: WHY DOES GOLF REMIND YOU OF A LADY'S CHARMS? not really vicious, Gwendolyn: “aut NULLUS eT FINI!” “Oh!” exclaimed Elise, recoiling with the Wentworth: an, you women! comicbooks.com