Life, 1891-11-12 · page 7 of 15
Life — November 12, 1891 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 275 This page contains a poem titled "The Devil and I" by Johanna Staats, which presents a first-person reflection on a relationship with "the devil"—likely a metaphorical critique of a charismatic but morally compromised man. The accompanying illustrations appear to depict social or domestic scenes with period clothing (appearing to be late 19th or early 20th century). The lower section includes a dialogue labeled "So We Have Heard," featuring satirical commentary on Satan's supposed forgiveness toward sinners, followed by a conversation between characters named "Fluffer" and "Bluffer" mocking Boston's literary circles, specifically referencing "Blue-stocking sisters"—educated or intellectual women, often satirized in period humor. The cartoons illustrate demonic or chaotic scenes, reinforcing the satirical tone about moral corruption and social pretension.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE DEVIL AND I. HE Devil and I, we grew such chums, We hated to part from each other ; The thought of him brings tears tomy eyes— I never shall meet such another, Amusingly deep the devil was, As devils, I find, are apt to be. A particular friend I made of him, And I know he thought the world of me. He told me many curious things, Deviltry greater than thought can span. Always insisting though—by the way— Much of his evil was learned from Man. He lied in an ornamental way— Finished, evasive, airy and neat ; And, when he swore occasionally, I forgave it—his voice was so sweet. Ah! After the devil, men all seem tame— None of them have so enticing av For in spite of hoofs, and horns, and tail, The devil was nice—I don’t care what you say. Johanna Staats, She (as Alfred bows politely to. person of Jewish appearance): Wi0's YOUR FRIEND? Alfred: OW, WE'S AN UNCLE OF MINE. She: ON YOUR MOTHER'S St SO WE HAVE HEARD. ‘© TM VERY forgiving,” said Satan, “No matter how much a man abuses me, when he comes to my place he is sure to be warmly received.” LUFFER: Have you read any of the writings of those Blue- stocking sisters of Boston? Their letters are charming. BLUFFER: Have youever seen them? Their figures are execrable. comicbooks.com