Life — October 29, 1891 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "A Trifler" - Life Magazine, October 20, 1891 This cartoon depicts a romantic conflict. A woman sits on a chair, looking away from a man standing beside her. The dialogue reveals the situation: The man declares his wish to "press you to my heart, and call you my own." The woman responds she fears "that can never be, General, with such an obstacle in the way." When he demands to know what obstacle exists, she replies: "An obstacle! Tell us what it is, that I may put it aside." The humor lies in the man's apparent blindness—he cannot see an obvious barrier between them (likely their social positions, existing commitments, or his own character flaws). The title "A Trifler" suggests he's a shallow romantic who doesn't recognize genuine impediments to their relationship, or that he treats love casually.