Life, 1892-03-31 · page 6 of 18
Life — March 31, 1892 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Page 196 from Life Magazine The page contains two sections: **Left side**: A prose piece titled "Penelope Consenteth to Teach a Class in Sunday School" depicts a dialogue between Rev. Dr. Whoknowns and Pen (Penelope), wherein the Doctor persuades her to lead a young men's Bible class. The humor relies on Penelope's reluctance being overcome through the Doctor's flattery about her abilities with "young people." **Right side**: "A Tale of a Tail" consists of three sequential ink sketches depicting what appears to be an animal (possibly a dog or fox) interacting with its tail in comedic poses—jumping, twisting, and playing with it. The humor is visual slapstick rather than political satire. Neither section contains identifiable caricatures of specific public figures or contemporary political references. This appears to be general-interest humor typical of early 20th-century Life magazine.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A YOUNG MAN'S GRIEF. H zes upon her enviously, This youth whose mustache will not grow ; He was a broker's son, and she, The bearded lady at the show, PENELOPE CONSENTETH TO TEACH A CLASS IN SUNDAY SCHOOL. “Ty AM delighted to see you looking so well,” said the Rev. Dr. Whoknows to Pen one afternoon not long ago. “It is very kind of you to say so,” replied Pen, “ but then you know I always look rather well.” ‘ue—most true,” replied the Doctor. “And how is Mrs. Whoknows ?" “Well—quite well. “Tm awfully sorry mamma is not in,” continued Pen, with an undercurrent of sincerity that was almost un- usual. “ Yes—yes—of course,” replied the doctor, unwilling to comprehend her. “It may be as well, though. She is probably interested in some Christian duty this after- noon. By the way, Penelope, | came around this afternoon to ask you to take a little more interest in church work yourself.” “Did you? Why there is nothing in the world that interests me more. You should know that, although I do not put myself ex evidence as much as most of the girls in the church do.” “True —quite true. But I want you to encourage them by your example—to lead the way, as it were. For instance, I would feel greatly pleased if you would a class in Sunday School.” O Doctor, I fear that | would be more appropriate a scholar than as a teacher.” Not at all —not at all, my dear Penelope. You are well fitted for the work. And then you have, I may say, the faculty of handling young people down toa very fine point. I—I have heard my wife and daughters, er—well, speak of it a number of times.” All right, Doctor, if they really want me to interfere a little more in their church work, | am sure nothing would suit me better. | suppose | may choose my class.”” * Of course, of course, my dear Penelope.” “Well then I'll take the young men’s Bible class,” said Penclope. “But you know my daughter, my eldest daughter, has that.” “Your promise, Doctor; remember your promise, that I could have the class | chose.” And the good Doctor, as he wiped his spectacles a few moments later before descending the steps of the Peachblow mansion, was compelled to remark to him- self: “ Bless me, that girl got the better of even me— and I came around to show them all what 1 could do with her.” Thomas Winthrop Hall. A TALE OF A TAIL. comicbooks.com