Initiation in the frat

Bellows, George, 1882-1925 · 1917

The drawing upon which this lithograph is based, done many years earlier (now in the Columbus Gallery of Fine Art), is I "Remember Being Initiated Into the Frat." During his freshman year at Ohio State University, Bellows was not asked to join Beta Theta Pi, to his great disappointment. By his second year, having gained some recognition as an athlete, Bellows was invited to join; the pleasure that his social acceptance brought made it possible for him to endure the various indignities of "hazing" without resentment. The uglier, more ominous aspects of hazing are depicted but are tempered by Bellows' pleasant personal experience. (Mason)