Life, 1889-11-14 · page 1 of 16
Life — November 14, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine, November 14, 1889 This page features two illustrations: **Top:** An ornate title reading "LIFE" with decorative allegorical figures in the letterforms—typical of the magazine's elaborate masthead design. **Bottom:** A social satire titled "NOT HER FAULT" depicting a man and woman in conversation beside a decorative planter. The dialogue reads: "What an enigma you are, Nell!" / "Why?" / "I never know how to take you." / "You've never tried." The humor relies on a double entendre—the man's innocent statement about being unable to understand her is met with her suggestive response implying romantic/physical advances. This reflects Victorian-era satirical commentary on courtship dynamics and female agency, gently mocking both the man's obtuseness and the woman's boldness in responding with flirtation.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XIV. NEW YORK, NOVEMBER: 14, 1889. -.NUMBER 359. Entered at the New York Post’ Office as Second-Class Mail Matter. Copyright, 1889, by Mrrenmit & Mitier. NOT HER FAULT. “WHAT AN ENIGMA YOU ARE, NELLI" “wnye?" “IT NEVER KNOW HOW TO T4KE You.” ““You'VE NEVER TRIED.” comicbooks.com