Life — February 21, 1889 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "SWELTERING WITH THE WRONG ONE" This cartoon depicts a social scene showing couples in what appears to be a romantic or intimate situation. The title suggests the satire concerns being stuck with an unsuitable romantic partner—the humor likely plays on the discomfort of being "sweltering" (sweating, uncomfortable) beside the wrong person in close quarters. The sketch-style illustration shows multiple figures in period dress, with the composition rotated so viewers must turn the page to read it properly. This was common in Life magazine's satirical cartoons. Without clearer visual details or additional context, the specific social commentary remains unclear—it could address courtship customs, marriage mismatches, or social embarrassment of the era. The caption's wry tone suggests poking fun at romantic or social conventions of the time.