Life, 1891-11-26 · page 7 of 14
Life — November 26, 1891 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 311 The page contains two distinct satirical pieces: **"At the Amateur Play"** (illustrated scene): A romantic theatrical moment where actors perform melodramatic dialogue about love and eternal devotion. The satire mocks the overwrought sentimentality of amateur theatrical productions—the earnest, exaggerated emotions typical of community theater performances of the era. **"From a Future Novel"** (text dialogues): Three brief comedic exchanges satirizing common character types and social pretensions. They mock theatrical villains ("heart of stone"), class consciousness (the "petite" insult), and the clichéd plotting of novels—poking fun at predictable literary tropes and social climbing. The overall theme targets the pretentiousness and melodrama of amateur and popular entertainment, along with society's obsession with romantic and class-based narratives.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
larger chair coming to-morrow, though. I told papa he needed one. Of course he agreed with me.” Jack had just enough sense left. to appreciate the fact that his opportunity had been pre- pared for him with the deft skill of a New York girl, and he embraced it and her, There were a few moments of delicious silence. Then Pen spoke, in an entirely different manner : “T don’t think you treat me just right, Jack.” “O my, Pen, what have I done? You know that I wouldn't do anything to displease you.” “Well, it’s something you haven't done.” Here she sobbed on his manly bosom. “What is it my darling, my poor little angel?” “Well, you don’t give me chance cnough to be modest and retiring and womanly.” And when Jack went home that night he was very unhappy, and he resolved that in the future he would be bold, and manly, and brave, just as the sturdy oak is when it is em- braced by the tender, clinging, shrinking vine. Thomas Winthrop Hall. FROM A FUTURE NOVEL. ERO: Have you no pity in your heart? Is there no tenderness in your nature? Are you wholly made up of brutal cruelty ? VILLAIN: Ha! Ha! You appeal to a heart of stone. (/47s- sing) | was once the centre rush of a foot-ball team. HERO: Then Heaven help us all! There is no hope. TJE: Darling, you remind i me of my bank account, SHE (nestling up to him): Why, because you think so much of me? HE: because you are AT THE AMATEUR PLAY. Reginald; AT LAST, MY LOVE, WE ARE TOGETHER. REST YOU IN THESE ARMS FOREVER. (Aside, to man in the wings) STEP LIVELY THERE WITH THE CURT. Do you suprose wr WANT TO STAY THIS WAY ALL NIGHT, Hortense (as the curtain drops): FOREVER! EQUIVOCAL. “e H AVE you read Sir John Lubbock’s ‘ List of the Best Hundred Books ?"" “Yep.” “ Every book on the list ?” “Yep; every book—on the lis HE ADOR THE F. you surprise me. THE ADORER: Come off. M ERRITT: [thought the old man would have come down handsomely. 4 your wife his favorite daughter ? FIELD: She was before she married me. Sir, I want to marry your daughter. What! Marry that dear little inexperienced, innocent angel. Wasn't comicbooks.com