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

What you’re looking at

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.