Life, 1887-05-19 · page 3 of 16
Life — May 19, 1887 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The top cartoon depicts a man in formal dress encountering a woman on an icy street, with the caption "Coming out of Club at 3 a.m.: 'Gad! That settles it. No more absinthe this spring'" and "'Wonder what sobered that dude so sudden!'" The humor appears to satirize excessive drinking and its consequences. The man's sudden sobriety (implied by his encounter with the woman) mocks the common excuse drinkers make to reform their habits. The icy setting emphasizes the shock of the unexpected encounter. Below is a poem titled "Wanted: A Situation," authored by Arthur W. Gundry, lamenting the difficulty an educated man faces finding employment suitable to his cultivated background and talents. It satirizes the paradox where education and specialized knowledge don't guarantee financial success or appropriate work.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Coming out of Club at 3 a. m.: GAD! THAT SETTLESH IT. NO MORE ABSINTHE (475 SPRING. “WANTED: A SITUATION.” T is really most distressing That, although my needs are pressing, I cannot make the money that inferior fellows can ; Nor find an occupation In this Philistinish nation, Congenial to a college-bred and cultivated man. My talents—they are many— Do not bring me in a penny, While the unenlightened vulgar go on heaping up their gains ; I can do so much that they can’t, But all ‘situations vacant” Are reserved, as I discover, for the men of vacant brains. I was noted when at college For a very special knowledge Of history, antiquities and numismatic lore— But in Coinage early dated, My interest has abated ; Some interest on our modern coins would benefit me more. rat Hi WONDER WHAT SOBERED THAT DUDE SO SUDDEN ! In the ‘‘ ologies" and ‘‘isms,” In all theologic schisms, In the speculative systems of both old and modern thought, I am versed, I may say, deeply, But my “views” I'd part with cheaply, Could I ascertain the n.arket where that kind of thing is bought. 1 am trying legal practice, But the melancholy fact is That, although I passed with honors when I took my law degree, And did credit to my tutors, I do not suit the suitors, And my knowledge of fee-simple does not bring a simple fee. ‘The thought I sometimes harbor, That to be a chatty barber, Conductor on a surface car, or driver of a van— To get a place as waiter, Or run an elevator— | Are about the only chances for a cultivated man. Arthur W. Gundry. comicbooks.com