Life, 1890-01-02 · page 11 of 16
Life — January 2, 1890 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 11 This page contains theatrical humor and social commentary. The top photograph shows "The Views of a Veteran Chaperone," depicting a woman (labeled "Mrs. Maxwell") observing younger people. The caption mocks her disapproval of co-education, suggesting she believes girls need careful supervision around men. Below, a dialogue between Mr. Shakespeare and Mr. Sheridan discusses a recent theatrical production of "As You Like It." They debate its artistic merit—Shakespeare defends it as nearly perfect, while Sheridan critiques the actors' performances, ultimately praising the script itself over the performers. The cartoon at bottom right illustrates "Unusual Consideration," depicting a drunk man being escorted through a theater discreetly by ushers to avoid disturbing other patrons during the performance. The humor targets both Victorian prudishness about gender interaction and theater etiquette.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE VIEWS OF A VETERAN CHAPERONE. “Doesn'T MRS. MAXWELL BELIEVE IN CO-EDUCATION OF THE SEXES?” WHY, SHE BELIEVES THAT A GIRL OUGHT TO BE RAISED SO CAREFULLY THAT WHEN SHE SEES A MAN SHE WILL SAY, ‘WHAT 1S THAT, MAMMA?!” “Co-EDUCATION? I SHOULD say NoT! 11 A GREAT LOSS. ISS PRETTY (2 tears and deep distress); Oh, mamma! I— went—to—the—trunk-room —and — what— do— you— think—I fo—fo—found? MRS. PRETTY: I'm sure I don't know, dear. Surely the moths haven't been at your new seal sacque ? Miss PRETTY: No, not so ba—ba—bad as that, —but a moth was shut up with my ba—bathing suit and he ate it all up. A BAD ERROR. EE here Lyons, you've ruined me. In this account of the ball I said that ‘Mrs. Bunkerton, the famous lecturer on dress, wore noth- ing that was remarkable.’ You've put it ‘ Mrs. B. wore nothing. That was remark- able!’ You can go to the cashier and get your money. We can’t stand a man like you around here,” “ Daly gave other plays of yours within a year or two, and much to your satisfaction. What is it this time? Mr. SHAKESPEARE: “As You Like It.” ‘Tis not for me to comment on the piece, but as I saw it played to-night I feared my vanity played treason with my judgment. MR. SHERIDAN: It pleased you, then? MR. SHAKESPEARE: Marry, I was drunk on't! ‘Twas close upon perfection. The men and women who play the parts display in this a fine perception and a subtle sense that ravishes the brain. They bring into’t a life and spirit that make the old words caper with a fresh delight. Go see it, Mr. Sheridan. The play itself hath not, perchance, the merit of the “ Rivals” or the “School for Scandal,” but— MR. SHERIDAN: Out on you! So great a man to mock a little one is— MR. SHAKESPEARE: Ho, modesty! Avaunt! This self-abasement hath a spurious ring when coming from the master of us all. Mr. SHERIDA Well, good night! MR. SHAKESPEARE: Good night! Ecod, you lay it on with a trowel! THE OTHER SIDE OF IT. 4 ARLY to bed and early to rise Gives man a baggy look under the eyes. UNUSUAL CONSIDERATION. Mr, W.; THE IDEA OF A MAN COMING TO THE THEATRE IN SUCH AN INTOXICATED CONDITION. I'LL HAVE THE USHER RE- MOVE HIM. Mrs, W.: Let HIM ALONE, JOHN; I THINK HE IS VERY CON- SIDERATE, HE GOT ALL HE WANTED BEFORE HE CAME IN AND WILL NOT BE LIKELY TO ANNOY PEOPLE BY GOING OUT BETWEEN THE ACTS. comicbooks.com