Life — September 4, 1931 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Will It Come to This?" This page satirizes **health neglect among men**, particularly young professionals. The dialogue shows "John," a man who admits he hasn't had whiskey and soda "in a week ago last Friday"—suggesting he drinks regularly despite his wife's concerns about his health deteriorating. The cartoon (captioned "My gosh! 'Spuds' Schermerhorn!") depicts a dramatically weakened man, implying this is John's future if he continues neglecting health. The accompanying illustration labeled "Life suggests for New York—Armored Playgrounds" shows a protective capsule-like structure, sarcastically proposing that weak, sickly men need physical protection rather than simply exercising and maintaining health. The satire targets masculine negligence toward personal wellness and the era's broader health-consciousness movement.