Life, 1889-01-17 · page 12 of 16
Life — January 17, 1889 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine Satire Analysis This page satirizes **self-deception and failed moral reform**. The main text humorously chronicles a man's repeated failed attempts to quit drinking and gambling. He constantly postpones his "reform" with elaborate justifications—swearing off "after the supper," then "until February 1st," while immediately breaking his pledges. The humor lies in his transparent rationalization: he loses money at faro but claims to be "ahead of the game," celebrates his "last" vice, and asks others to join his reform to strengthen their (not his) resolve. The cartoons at bottom satirize **hypocrisy about civilization's impact on indigenous peoples**—a popular Victorian debate. The caption "What Civilization is Doing for the Savage" ironically shows Native Americans adopting destructive Western vices (alcohol, weapons, warfare) rather than moral enlightenment. The child's dialogue provides a separate joke about childhood mischief being disguised as innocent play, reinforcing the page's theme of **self-serving deception**.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
of previous career. Decided not to drink any- thing, however, no matter what occurred. Bought “The Descent of Man” on way home, and decided to study science and philosophy this winter. Found Darwin rather dull. Was glad when Tank came after me to go to supper. Girls laughed when I told ’em I wasn't drink- ing, and pretended they thought I was joking. Decided, as I had sworn off without remember- ing the supper, that, as this was my last racket before beginning reformed life, to swear off on Saturday. After the supper, went to Daly’s. Thought I might well begin gambling and al- coholic reform together. Came out pretty big winner for me, and had to celebrate a trifle. Boys would think it was mean if I didn’t, and, as it was my last game of faro, I didn’t want to leave the ring with a bad reputation. * * * 'UESDAY, JANUARY 8.—Got up to break- fast for a bluff, Didn't feel like it. The Governor looked me over and grinned, and then ordered a bottle of soda-water for me. But this ends it for me, anyway. Now every- thing is settled, and I can begin new career without loss of self-respect. Pretty hard work to get along without a bracer to-day, but I did it. * * * ATURDAY, JANUARY 12.—Not a drink for four days. Went to club this evening WHAT CIVILIZATION IS DOING FOR THE SAVAGE. Aunt (hinting for a hiss): WHAT SHALL AUNTIE GIVE BABY BEFORE SHE GOES? Baby: Av, DIV’ HIM A REST! and met Percy Golddust. He had the recipe for the Jockey Club cocktail, but I refused todrink with him. He wanted me to try it very much to get my opinion of it, he said. Iam something of a connoisseur, but told him I couldn't as I had sworn off. Tom Von Tank came in and told me he'd postponed swearing-off until February rst, and wanted me to begin with him, Said it would give him strength to keep his resolutions if I did. He #s a trifle weak, As I wanted to do Percy a favor too, decided not to swear off until February 1st, and begin with Tom. It don't make much difference about the day you begin, and February 1st is, after all, a better time than January rst, because there are no holiday obligations such as a gentleman is bound to recognize then, Lost a trifle at faro, but,will not play at all after February rst, and I’m ahead of the game for the year on what I won Monday, anyway. A DIFFERENCE, AMA: I told you not to play with that Jones boy, Arthur. ARTHUR: I wasn’t playing with him, Mama; I was just chasing him to give him a licking. sh adit comicbooks.com