Life, 1888-06-21 · page 3 of 18
Life — June 21, 1888 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 347 This page contains several brief satirical jokes typical of early 20th-century *Life* magazine humor. The main cartoon depicts a crowded ship deck with well-dressed passengers. The joke contrasts a woman's emotional farewell ("Why is a girl...like a steamer about to leave port?") with the punchline: "Because she is all bustle and confusion"—a visual pun referencing both the bustling activity and women's fashion (the "bustle," a framework structure worn under skirts that was prominent in Victorian/Edwardian era). Below are additional short satirical pieces: "In the Meantime" (romantic dialogue), "With Malice Aforethought" (wordplay about flowers), "The Proper Method" (domestic humor), and brief quips about winter and thin visitors. The humor relies on period-specific fashion references and domestic social conventions that modern readers might not immediately recognize.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
He: WY IS A GIRL OF THE PERIOD EXPERIENCING HER FIRST KISS LIKE A STEAMER ABOUT TO LEAVE PORT ? She: WELL? He: BECAUSE SHE IS ALL BUSTLE AND CONFUSION, IN THE MEANTIME. DWARD, dear, I hardly know my own heart,” said the girl, softly; “and you must give me a little time to think it all over.” “Will you want very much time?” he asked, tenderly and hopefully. “When may I come for an answer?” In a low, sweet voice the girl replied, “At the end of the season.” And she arose lan- guidly, adjusted her tournure with the gentle tap indicative of noble birth, and moved gracefully away. 6¢ T SAY, old man, can you tell me what is the first present mentioned in the Bible?” “Give it up.” “Why, Eve presented Adam with a Cain, stupid.” PILGRIM—One of the old blue-mass variety. WITH MALICE AFORETHOUGHT. E: Why does that Miss Jaundice always wear Lilies- of-the-Valley? SHE: I can’t imagine—particularly as flowers of the plain would be so much more appropriate. THE PROPER METHOD. RS. DE RICHE: Now, John, don’t forget that ton of coal—and I want it delivered @ /a carte! ARMER (sneeringly): After you get through digging, what are you going to do? AMATEUR GARDENER: Put a porous plaster on my back, «6¢ HOOT folly as it flies” is good enough for a winter quotation, The summer rendition is: “Shoot flies as they follow.” HEN a thin man visits you, lodge him in the spare room, ar of course. A FUTURE BACON. comicbooks.com