Life, 1888-11-15 · page 3 of 16
Life — November 15, 1888 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine, November 15, 1888 This page contains three distinct pieces: 1. **"Pastoral" (poem by John Moran)**: A romantic verse about a man named Strephon courting a woman named Chloe, with accompanying pastoral illustration showing a couple in a rural setting. 2. **"A Thanksgiving Invitation to a Popular Favorite"**: A humorous letter inviting someone to Thanksgiving dinner, with jokes about seating arrangements and mention of Yale football players attending. The tone is playful and gossipy. 3. **Turkey illustration with "Poor old grandma" text**: A greeting-style piece joking about an elderly grandmother's role hosting Thanksgiving, written by "Life" magazine itself. The page appears primarily devoted to Thanksgiving-themed entertainment rather than political satire. The humor is gentle and domestic, focusing on social customs, courtship, and holiday gatherings typical of 1880s upper-class American society.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Voiume XII. NOVEMBER I5TH, 1888, A THANKSGIVING INVITATION TO A POPULAR FAVORITE. New York, November 22d. My Dear Sir: AY we count on your presence at dinner on Thursday, the agth ? We all want you, and your coming will insure you a warm place next our hearts. No great prep- aration is needed, as we feel sure you will be well dressed. Naturally, you will have a place near the head of the table. You will be the cynosure of all eyes, and the object of open-mouthed admiration, You will meet with a heafty reception from some Yale men, who will come to dinner after the football match, and you need not fear but that several pretty girls, who are to be present, will like you very much. Your old friend, Cranberry Sauce, will be placed near you—and you two always got along beautifully together, you know. The paterfamilias will pay you marked attention and see that you are not monopolized by any one person. Of course, you won't come to this dinner stuffed with chest- nuts, because our guests don't like chestnuts, although you might bring your drumsticks on the children’s account. who write st Grant ellers PASTORAL. HLOE tapped at Daphne's door, All the woodland sweet of summer ; Roses lent her cheeks their store, Dryads decked their latest comer. ‘* Stupid Strephon courted me,” Caroled she, in clear voice, gaily; ** Foolish as his flock is he, Foolisher and fonder daily. There he stood in shy surmise, Trembling like a wind-tossed feather ; Dared not raise to mine his eyes, In this blithe and sun-glad weather. Up I rose and boxed his ears (Birds were singing in the beeches), Told him faint heart never nears Goals that courage surely reaches. Then my handsome oaf at last Took me in his arms and kissed me ; Daphne, he shall rue the past, When, through fear, he well-nigh missed me.” John Moran. OOR old grandma, whose teeth are not what they used to be, is especially counting on your tenderness. It may amuse you, but nevertheless it is a fact that even the cook anticipates your coming, and is making great’ preparations in conse- quence. You will be surrounded by pretty girls, and be in the midst of those who will be sure to appreciate you, You will have the inside track, and we look to you to appeal to the inner con- sciousness of our guests. Un- til Thursday, then, Yours, Lire. P.S.—It may fall to your lot to touch the lips of some of the girls, Take warning—you won't be permitted to linger long in that enviable roximity. P Metcalfe. comicbooks.com