Life, 1886-04-08 · page 3 of 16
Life — April 8, 1886 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of "Why, Indeed?" - Life Magazine Page 199 This satirical poem attacks Anglophilia among wealthy American elites. The verse criticizes Americans who adopt British mannerisms, speech patterns, and customs despite the nation's democratic founding. Key targets include: - Wealthy youth spending time in Parliament and adopting British habits - American heiresses marrying British nobility ("tickle Cockney cousins") - Americans imitating British accents and pronunciation ("awes" and "ers") - Pretentious genealogies falsely traced to British nobility The ornate decorative border framing the text appears to show classical or Baroque figures in satirical poses, emphasizing the mockery of affected "high culture." The poem's core argument: Americans should reject British affectation and embrace democratic values instead of importing foreign snobbery. This reflects recurring American anxiety about class pretension and foreign influence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Deven 10 Se se od | oN WHY, INDEED? HOU whose youth was even spent Long before the Parliament Put her veto on our measures and imposed that tax on tea— Tell us what the subtle change is That our gilded youth estranges, And makes “English” where our fathers most American would be. . Why must wealth needs cross the ocean And import each snobbish notion That may tickle Cockney cousins on’ the old paternal shore ? Why do titles strictly British Charm our maidens, old and skittish ? Prithee tell us the attactions of the ill-bred British bore. Why must half the Yankee nation Vulgarize its conversation With the “aws,” and “ers,” and lispings of its idiotic talk, While the other half insanely Hobbles down the street inanely In a pewter imitation of the awkward British walk? Why do people who know better Seal their every note and letter With a crest and gorgeous motto stolen bodily from Burke, When, I'll bet an even dollar, They ‘ve derived their noble choler In a pedigree plebeian from some haughty Celtic “ Turk "? Heaven spare us the confusion That results from such delusion! If we must have dudes let's have them from a democratic mould. Let us get right up and sit on Every foolish pseudo-Briton es Who presumes to bring his customs to our market to be +5 hwy yg do sold! comicbooks.com