Life, 1890-11-20 · page 5 of 24
Life — November 20, 1890 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (Volume XVI, Number 412) The main illustration depicts a domestic scene with the caption "Sentimental Maiden" discussing Jack's wife, who is unhappy during his absences. An "Experienced Widow" responds that the wife's unhappiness stems from knowing Jack too well—a joke about marital disillusionment. Below, "Why We Give Thanks" is a humorous list of reasons Americans should be grateful, including: living in America rather than elsewhere, having only "400 of the 400" (likely referencing New York's elite social circle), reading the Mail and Express, and reducing "foolish women" through marriages to foreign nobles. The "Easily Proved" item at bottom is a brief joke about a porous plaster. The overall content reflects early 20th-century American satirical humor about society, marriage, and civic pride.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
NUMBER 412. Sentimental Maiden: LOVES HIM 80 MUCH ? ‘perienced Widow: No. THERE GOES JACK'S WIFE; SHE 18 NEVER HAPPY WHEN JACK 18 OUT OF HER SIGHT, Is IT BECAUSE SHE It's BECAUSE SHE KNOWS HIM SO WELL. WHY WE GIVE THANKS. ECAUSE we live now instead of at any other period of the world’s history. Because we live in America, instead of in any other country in the world. Because, notwithstanding the efforts of General Greeley and his staff, our climate remains a fairly good one. Because there are only 400 of the 400. Because reading the Mail and Express is not made com- pulsory by law. Because the n rapidly being dimi Because there is intelligence enough in the country to annihilate a reckless and prodigal Congress. America is hed by marriage with foreign nobles. mber of foolish women in Because it is not likely that Mr. McAllister will ever write another book. Because Anglomania is no longer epidemic. Because the ‘Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art are not immortal. Because ‘the recent census demonstrates that dudes are rapidly disappearing from the surface of the earth. Because Lire still continues to hold four aces once every week. EASILY PROVED. ss OU'RE no good,” said the Capsicum plaster. “Well, I'm holier than thou, anyhow,” retorted the Porous plaster. comicbooks.com