Life — August 28, 1890 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "August—A College Boy" This illustration depicts a scene set at what appears to be a waterfront or seaside promenade, with a woman in an elaborate hat standing beside a man in a rocking chair. A third figure stands in the background. The caption "August—A College Boy" suggests this is part of a monthly series. The satire likely mocks the leisure and idleness of college-aged young men during summer vacation. The man reclines passively in a rocking chair—traditionally associated with elderly retirees—implying that college boys spend August in lazy inactivity rather than productive pursuits. The well-dressed woman appears to be his companion, possibly suggesting romantic distraction or social frivolity as another form of summer occupation for the privileged class.