Life — October 18, 1888 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be an illustration from *Life* magazine featuring a character labeled "BETSY PRIG" with the caption "I DON'T BELIEVE HERE" (text appears cut off). The image shows a woman in period dress seated indoors, looking upward skeptically. "Betsy Prig" is a character from Charles Dickens' 1843-44 novel *Martin Chuzzlewit*—a disreputable, alcoholic nurse known for her dishonesty and crude behavior. The illustration likely satirizes the character's famous skepticism and tendency to dismiss or deny things, fitting with the visible caption about not believing something. Without additional page context, the specific satirical target remains unclear, but the reference leverages Dickens' well-known character to comment on contemporary skepticism or false claims.