Life, 1883-08-23 · page 11 of 16
Life — August 23, 1883 — page 11: what you’re looking at
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# Life Magazine, Page 93: Satirical Content Analysis **The Son-in-Law Cartoon**: A sketch-and-dialogue piece mocking the social dynamics of marriage among the wealthy. The illustration shows an exhausted, emaciated man being supported by his wife. The satire attacks the practice of marrying for "position"—a young woman of modest means weds a wealthy but dissolute man so her mother can gain social standing ("known" in society), while the wife herself gains a husband of questionable character who frequents clubs and returns home inebriated. The joke exposes the absurdity and human cost of social climbing. **"Recipes for Popular Sermons"**: Mock-recipe format satirizing contemporary preachers. Section III targets "Radicalism" (likely referring to progressive preacher M. J. Savage), mocking his blend of Herbert Spencer's evolutionary philosophy with traditional religion. Section IV ridicules sentimental clergy who mix unrelated theology with emotional stories. **Minor Content**: A romantic poem and a joke about Texas dangers lumping Baptist ministers with bears and Indians—reflecting anti-religious sentiment typical of Life's satirical approach.
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-LIFE- 93 POPULAR SCIENCE CATECHISM. Lesson XII.—The Son-in-Law. HAT is this? This, darling, is the son-in-law. Oh! he ts the victim of a mother-in-law ? Yes, dear, of a rich mother-in-law, who supports him. That is what makes him so tired and ricketty? Partly, my precious. And the other cause? Well, he has been to din- ner at the Club. But why does he go home in that condition? Because all the other places are closed. Gracious! what will his mother-in-law do? She will help him up stairs and assist in remoy- ing his boots. Then the poor son-in law will not be clubbed witha soup-ladle, lectured for two hours and scalded half to death with boiling tea? Oh, no. But if he is so dissipated why does the poor mother-in- law put up with him? Because he gives her daughter position. How “ position"? Well, before marriage the mother-in-law was very rich, but was not “ known” in society. Well? Now she is not quite so rich, but she is “ known.” Through the son-in-law? Exactly. But the poor wife—her daughter? It is the same with her. Are they satisfied? Quite so. But ts getting into society so desirable, that a girl will marry such a man to accomplish it? Yes, my precious. My! But how for the poor girls who cannot marry such men? They are unfortunate. Have they no consolation ? A meagre one. And that? They can die and go to heaven. A. VACATION IDYL. WHEN T see the lilies growing, Budding rear a mossy brink ; When I see their petals opening, Creamy hue and blush of pink, Then a charm I trace methinks, Like unto my Julia’s mellow,— Ah, here she comes.—Capricious minx ! I'd like to punch that other fellow. D. W. H. RECIPES FOR POPULAR SERMONS. III. RADICALISM A LA M. J. SAVAGE. AKE fifty-five minutes of nasal tenderness of tone, one thought from the “ First Principles” of Mr. Spencer and two from his “ Psychology ” and three allusions to the survival of the fittest. Stir gently till the whole begins to simmer. Then add rapidly the Orthodox conception of Good, seasoned before- hand with savage raillery, and two sliced compliments to the newspapers. Thep cook up a tablespoonful of evolution until smooth, not brown, and strain into a Unitarian sauce-pan. Garnish the whole with prayers to the unknowable, and serve. IV. SENTIMENTALISM A LA RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY REST. Take one or two metaphysical texts from the New Testament which have no possible reference to one another. Hold them at arm’s length till the guests. all see them double. Boil them then in a mixture of Sir William Hamilton’s metaphysics and verses from Geo. Macdonald's “ Robert Falconer;” then stir slowly into the mass a touching story of ripe age (it may even be a little “high ”). Add a little Hell with the forefinger, as a reminiscence of Methodism; season with hopes of immortality and references to familiar bereavements, and serve with a melting poem and tears. CLericus, UMMER’S bloom is almost past ; Autumn’s chill is in the air. Love, since summer will not last, Let us find the whole year fair. If we look through lovers’ eyes, Even soft are winter's skies. WaLTER LEARNED. From the way things have béen running recently, it is impossible to say which is the most dangerous thing to meet in Texas—a grizzly bear, a Comanche Indian, a cowboy or a Baptist minister. comicbooks.com. u