Judge, 1920-07-31 · page 5 of 36
Judge — July 31, 1920 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of "The Female of the Species" This satirical story by Louis Schneider mocks upper-class matrimonial dynamics, likely from the early 20th century. The cartoon caption—"The Pup: Why can't I belong to that kind of people?"—suggests commentary on social class distinctions. The narrative depicts a husband (Leape) and wife (Louise) negotiating financial matters. Louise has invested in "Rattlesnake Copper" stock that's rising. The satire centers on her asserting financial independence and shrewd business acumen, while John initially patronizes her. By story's end, she's bought costly furnishings and he admits she outsmarted him. The "moral" appears ironic: the story critiques both gender dynamics and the era's nouveau-riche consumerism, where women increasingly controlled household finances despite prevailing attitudes about female inferiority in business matters.
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The Pup--Wuy cas’b 1 nttoxc 10 THAT KIND OF PEOPLE The Female of the Species A Matrimonial Fable swith a Highly Moral Moral By Lovis Scuxeier EAPE slowly lowered the financial column from before his nose and gazed speculatively across at his wife, “Better buy a thousand Rattlesnake Cop- per,” he advise “Not too late vet “T have been giving it a thought, John.” “Been? . Say, I've been dinning at you enough ibout it. It’s soaring, rocketting. Of course, that money is yours, but if you want to spread-eagle on Rattlesnake Copper you'd better get in while the get- ting’s good.” Presently, Mrs. Leape broke the silence. “Yes, 1 think I shall—whenever the price is right “Righ Why, ivll never be any righter!” “John, you should p re attention to your lan- -| had almost said low. guage. s so—f It’s up to you—that is, you should consider our present and prospective status and mend your ways. yw, as to that Rattlesnake stock—I don’t know whether you will understand, but—don’t you think it is rather chean?” , “Cheap? It’s a popular stock, but nothing’s cheap that vou can cl up on.” “Mrs. Valentine boasts—actually boasts bought some of it at 33.” a _wisehcimer, then. Got in on the You could have, too, if you'd taken my —that she ‘But at 33, John! Is it still going uy “Yep, sda atl soaring. Get in quick. I'll place the order with Skinner in the morning. It’s bour hit the sky some of these days.” “You say it’s $4, and still risi I MW hl 1 off for a while.” arned if | get you, Louis “Darned if I do!” “John! But, of course, you couldn't understand.” attlesnake Copper kept mounting. At intervals d his wife to invest. lesnake Copper broke sharply. Leape came at noon that day in a wild mood. He seized his wife and waltzed ker about the living until the gilt furniture of her careful choosing ¢ and swayed in a golden haze. “Whoops, my de he exulted that good ‘old Rattlesnake! Quarte ‘Tum-tat-a-rat, tat-a-rat, tat-a-rat! “John—quit! Let me go! He released her and stood back,—flushed, trium- phant. Gradually a measure of his own hilarious mood came over her, “Oh, John!” she cri shining, “now Ic have have all my stones re-set in platinum, can’t I He seized and waltzed her about again. he laughed. “And get a few more. But matter with the old settings? They s I know; but, John—gold is so—so common, isn’t it? It won't quite do, now, will it “Well, Ul be—jiggered if I quite get you it. I sold out just before Rattlesnake s to Well, [ guess flared Leape. leaned up on of a million, cold! : but go to ped. We