Life — October 20, 1892 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page contains two distinct satirical pieces: **Top section ("The Advantages of an Extensive Repertoire"):** Three sequential panels show a soldier demonstrating different theatrical poses or gestures with weapons/props, suggesting he can perform multiple "acts" or deceptions—likely satirizing military recruiting or soldiers who exaggerate capabilities. **Bottom cartoon ("Not His Fault"):** A reverend confronts a theological student about leaving church abruptly during the sermon. The student's response—that he's "been a somnambulist" (sleepwalker) since childhood—is the joke's punchline. This satirizes either the student's excuse-making or, possibly, the quality of the sermon itself by implying the student literally fell asleep and walked out unconsciously. The humor relies on the absurdity of blaming sleepwalking for disruptive behavior.