Life, 1893-01-19 · page 10 of 16
Life — January 19, 1893 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The page contains two satirical sections: 1. **"Overheard by Prof. Garner"**: A cartoon showing a gorilla and bulldog fighting, captioned with the gorilla saying it "must have thought I was nothing but a man." This appears to satirize contemporary debates about animal behavior and human nature—possibly referencing popular discussions about animal intelligence or evolutionary theory. 2. **"Life's Examination Papers"**: A mock questionnaire for New York high society admission, featuring absurdist questions (e.g., "Would you rather be in New York society or Heaven?"). The humor targets wealthy elites' pretensions and social climbing. 3. **"A Smitten Conscience"**: A dialogue scene with an illustration showing the interaction between characters named Maiden, Serenader, and George, apparently satirizing romantic entanglements and social embarrassment. The overall tone mocks upper-class affectations and social conventions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
*- LIFE: OVERHEARD BY PROF. GARNER. Gorilla (to neighbor across the way): HeY! Bitty! WHAT JUMPED ON ME JUST NOW! MUST HAVE THOUGHT NOTHING BUT A MAN. THE UNIVERSAL FEELING. 66 ALL the world’s a stage”—how very Much like actors people are ! Every supernumerary Thinks he ought to be a star. LIFE’S EXAMINATION PAPERS. 1, FoR CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION TO NEW YoRK SOCIETY, What was your grandfather's occupation ? Give the titles of your immediate ancestors. Were you ever suspected of doing anything useful ? 4. Are you quite sure you have a proper contempt for the relative who amassed the fortune you are now spending ? 5. What peculiarity of speech do you affect ? 6. Can you talk for an hour and say nothing ? 7. Which do you consider the greater man, George Washington or Ward McAllister? 8, Give the names and addresses of the society reporters of all the New York newspapers. 9. Would you rather be in New York society or Heaven? State reasons. 10. If the Prince of Wales kicked you, would you smile and thank him? 11, Which do you regard as the superior watering-place, Newport or Coney Island ? 12, Would you cheerfully cut your best friend if you met him in evening dress before six P. M.? 13. Do you consider it dishonorable to cheat a tailor? 14. Do you object to making a jackass of yourself in public, if other society people do the same thing ? 15. What is the most contemptible thing you would be willing to do to secure an invitation to some exclusive entertainment ? 16, Have you any conscientious scruples against flirting with another man’s wife ? 17, (a) Did you ever read a book? (b) Can you write your own name ? 18. If reduced to poverty would you sponge or work ? A SMITTEN CONSCIENCE. R. FOURTHLY: I believe my sermon on sincerity, this morning, sank deep into some hearts and did g0bd. PARISHIONER: Yes; as Foley and his wife went home, he explained to people on the street car that his wife's hair and teeth were false. "ROURKE: Phwat sort ava felly is thot Giuseppe > MCPHINN: Oh, a rale dacint sort for a furriner. Maiden (whispering): 18 THAT YoU, GEORGE ? Serenader (who has been blowing love music for the last half hour) : Au! AT LAST, MY DARLING, 'TIS You! Yes; "TIS YOUR OWN Groce. Maiden (still whispering): Wett, Georck, Wox'T you Go AWAY? CHARLIE BONDS IS IN HERE AND 1S ABOUT TO PRO- POSE, AND I'M AFRAID YOUR MUSIC DISCONCERTS HIM. comicbooks.com