Life, 1886-07-08 · page 5 of 16
Life — July 8, 1886 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 19 This page contains a philosophical poem titled "IS LIFE MORE?" alongside a satirical illustration labeled "A CITY GOSSIP." The poem contemplates whether human existence transcends mere physical existence, using metaphors of thistle crowns and floating feathers. The illustration depicts a chaotic social scene with multiple figures engaged in gossip and idle activity—consistent with the "city gossip" theme. The figures appear to represent various social types engaged in frivolous pursuits. Below the poem is a brief humorous dialogue ("PROBABLY EXPENSIVE") between Smith and Brown discussing watermelons and medical costs, followed by dictionary-style definitions of "STUFF" and "FISHING-HOOK." The page primarily juxtaposes philosophical reflection with satirical commentary on urban social behavior and shallow conversation—a typical Life magazine approach to social criticism through humor and contrast.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
IS LIFE MORE? H! I've found thee, ’twixt these pages, Thistle crown, a Pressed between the words of sages, Words of wisdom from the ages Handed down. Memories by time long calloused, T resume, As I studied over Sallust Swam an airy ship in ballast From the gloom. Floated through my lattice, wickered, As a breath, In where soft my lamp light flickered And the moths about it bickered, Each with death. Sallust lost its wonted favor, Thistle crown, Life assumed another flavor As I watched thee lightly waver Up and down. Sentimental, thought I, whether Iam more Than this vegetable feather, Idle sport of wind and weather, Floating o'er. Then my reverie was broken, And, in jest, "Twixt these words by wise men spoken, Thistle down, of folly token, I compressed. Many years thou hast abided, Full a score, Years ’twixt study, toil divided, Till by chance my hand was guided Here once more. MENT & % * * * * Still—I 'm wondering whether—whether Tam more Than this vegetable feather) Held within this volume’s tether Years a score, EXHig@it Sy A CITY GOVER PROBABLY EXPENSIVE. MITH: I saw you carrying home a couple of nice looking watermelons last night, Brown. How much did they cost you? Brown: I don’t know yet. The doctor is up at the house now. 2 = & te 6 z 2 é < & a 4 Z a é < s 2 = & a 3 & % a z z a é = ¢ a z ai a Fs & § = 8 < $s & a < 9 z a z a a a Fa a $ & S z Cy Fa - a z z 6 é % 2 g z g < z a te 6 E £ = K iy z is | 5 a & 8 & = & StuFrF—To count the ballots so as to elect the other fellow. FISHING-HOOK—Instrument used in destroying earth-worms. JAPANESE VILLAGE NOW TRAVELING IN THIS COUNTRY. comicbooks.com