Life, 1890-12-04 · page 3 of 14
Life — December 4, 1890 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page (Volume XVI, Number 414) This page combines satirical commentary with advertising. The main illustration depicts women in an elegant interior, with a caption mocking social pretension: "Avoid even the appearance of evil" versus actually considering whether "the girls who dance are always left." The satire targets upper-class hypocrisy—women concerned with *appearing* virtuous rather than genuine morality. The "dancing girls" reference suggests anxieties about women's independence and nightlife. Below are humorous "overheard" conversations mocking consumer culture and retail experiences: a poet seeking sympathy, a tired shopper, and a floor walker promoting smelling salts as luxury items ($9.99). The final line advertises a "Binder for Life" wedding-related product—likely a cynical joke given the page's themes of artifice and social performance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
VOLUME XVI. Rector's Wifes Vor srner > Belle of the OUGHT TO AVOID EVEN TIDE APPESRANCE Parish: TWey MUST ne, 1 KNOW THE GERLS wit OF OIVIE, DO YOU, YOURSELF, THINK TIE GIKLS WHO DANCE ARE 6) don't DANCE ARK ALWAYS LET. A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT IT. IS better to have loved and lost,” The poet sings ntive rhyme. Of course it is; for then you can Make love again some other time. nd or doul| also, 1 ys WHILE YOU WAIT. ction can F AIR CUSTOMER (2 great store): 1 do wish you'd hurry up my change; I've been waiting for it about an hour, and I feel as if 1 should faint in this pushing crowd. FLOOR WALKE bossed bottles of smelling salts at counter X, madam, ninth : We have some most elegantly em- floor, front, among the soaps and perfumery. Only $9.99. madam—rare bargains. Salts are a sure cure for faintness. “Lam faint from standing so long—" “Ah! You should wear Blank & nothing like them in market; you ca without getting tired; only $6.99. Section to, fifteenth floor.” “Lam faint from standing here so long when I ought to be at home getting my dinner. I haven't had a bite to eat since morning.” “Ah! I see, Co.'s standeasy shoe; stand all day in them Shoe department is in Restaurant is in the basement.” HE very ring. BEST “BINDER FOR Lire "“—A wedding comicbooks.com