Life, 1889-07-11 · page 3 of 16
Life — July 11, 1889 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (Volume XIV, Number 341) This page contains three satirical pieces: **"At the Door"** depicts a domestic quarrel where a man and woman discuss their week-long engagement. The woman accuses the man of not looking at her and questions whether he can even distinguish her eye color—a jab at inattentiveness in relationships. **"A Variety of Diversions"** mocks European tourists in New York, satirizing their search for entertainment at hotels and clubs while seeking cash advances. **"Slow in Evolving"** features Julius Jefferson discussing whether evolution moves slowly, with a speaker presenting assembled company opinions. The caption suggests skepticism about evolutionary theory's pace. The bottom cartoon shows dogs and appears to reference a "Directoire" (likely a fashion reference). The humor relies on period-specific social commentary about courtship, tourism, and scientific debate.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Middle-aged Masher : No, 1 AM NOT READY TO MARRY YET. Paterkin: AM, VES; I REMEMBER, YOU CONSIDER MARRIAGE A MATTER OF BUYING AND SELLING. Middle-aged Masher: 1 po, Paterkin: WELL, YOU HAD JUST BETTER JUMP LIVELY, OLD MAN, YOU'LL BRING A BETTER PRICE NOW THAN YOU EVER WILL AGAIN, A VARIETY OF DIVERSIONS. UROPEAN NOBLEMAN (just arrived): What aw-amusements do the States offah twavelers fwom the Continent ? NUMBER 341. AT THE DOOR. ELL me before you go— You really do not know? ue. I really don’t. SHE, Absurd! HE, I don’t, upon my word! SHE. We've been engaged a week— No, no, péase let me speak. He. But, dear, I take it back. SHE. You interrupt me, Jack. We've been engaged a week— Don't try to look so meek— And you really cannot say If my eyes are black or gray? HE. T can make that, dear, quite plain If you'll let me— sue. Well, explain. HE. Love, my land of promise lies In the rainbow of your eyes ! They're red, dear, when you weep Beneath their lashes’ sweep, And éiue as summer seas, When all goes as you please; And tawny when you're vexed, And violet when perplexed, And I've seen them green, you know, When— sie. Good night, sir, you may go! New York HOTEL CLERK: Some of 'em black boots, some run elevators, and some do the clubs. Cash in advance, please. = SLOW IN EVOLUTING. {}. JULIUS JEFFERSON (af Thomp- \ J son Street soirée): Does yo’ b'lieve, Mr. Speaker, in ebolution ? : THE SPEAKER (looking around upon the assembled compa- ny): Well, er—Ya'as, Mr. Jefferson, I kinder does b'lieve in ebolu- tion; at least my min’ is opinionated in dat direckshun somewhat ; but don’ yo" think dat it moves very slow ? THE dynamiter's favorite hand is kings up. COMPANIONS-IN-ARMS—Twins. comicbooks.com