Life — October 17, 1889 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Memoirs Under" - Life Magazine Satire This page presents four satirical vignettes about memory and remembrance. The title "Memoirs Under" (likely "Memoirs Underway") suggests commentary on autobiographical accounts. The sketches depict: 1. **"That horrid little bore"** - figures dismissing an unwanted acquaintance 2. **"Between the Seas"** - unclear reference, possibly romantic or nautical themed 3. **"The Harvest Moon"** - a silhouetted couple in an intimate moment 4. **"The last cold dip in the Ocean"** - a woman wading into water The satire appears to mock sentimental memoir-writing and romanticized memory—particularly how people selectively remember (or misremember) past relationships and experiences. The contrasting images suggest how individuals reconstruct their personal histories through rose-tinted nostalgia while conveniently forgetting unpleasant encounters. This reflects period concerns about truthfulness in autobiography.