Article December 23, 1916 ISSUE

Make-believe

EMILY A. ASHCROFT

We all know how fond most small boys are of playing at soldiers. We have frequently seen a band of little fellows being marshaled along by a boy, perhaps a little bigger than themselves, who is pretending to be a great general and assuming that officer's name and authority. The small boys are quite willing, for the time being, to be led by him and to obey his orders. They become so earnest in their game that it all seems very real to them.

A bystander watching such a scene finds plenty to amuse him, mainly in the total unlikeness of the acting to the real thing. The more familiar the onlooker is with the reality, the more absurd this futile attempt at imitation appears. He does not, however, grow indignant that an insignificant little person should assume the name, title, and powers of a general. Why? Because he knows it is all in fun, all make-believe. This little bit of acting does not interfere with the work of the real general. That goes on exactly the same as before, and in fact the original is totally ignorant of the existence of his imitator.

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