Life, 1893-06-22 · page 5 of 14
Life — June 22, 1893 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of "Why and Why Not?" This satirical dialogue criticizes a young Englishwoman's decision to marry an "ordinary Englishman" rather than pursue a wealthy American match. The cartoon depicts what appears to be a drawing room scene with multiple figures in conversation. The text presents a debate: one speaker (labeled "A BRITON") defends the choice, listing the man's respectable qualities—good education, temperament, manners, and appearance. The counterargument emphasizes what marriage to an American wealthy man could offer: a country estate, Paris shopping, cathedra churches, servants, and elevated social status. The satire mocks both British insularity and American wealth-worship, suggesting early 20th-century tensions between American economic power and British social traditions—questioning whether love and character outweigh material advantage.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WHY AND WHY NOT? BRITON! Yes, and an English one at that. A lord ? No! Just an ordinary Englishman—that is, an extra- desirable ordinary Englishman. And she is going to marry him! She seems to think so! Why not? Why, what is Thames alongside of Mississippi that she should look so far for a husband ? She certainly could have got one at home if she had tried. Undoubtedly. Why didn’t she ? Take a look at that chap! Well built, well dressed, good tempered, good spirits, good manners—good figure of a man isn't he? All that, to look at. Not bad to marry so far as you can see. Oh, no! Not bad inside either—good sense enough, good educa- tion, good nature, good set, good place in the country. With the help of her fortune what can they have? Such an English country home as she has read about ever since she was a little girl, good roads, hunting, pleasant rural society, a picturesque church with a curtained pew, good servants, house in London in the season, freedom from catarrh, Paris shops and dressmakers within eight hours ride, a pleasant trip home every year or two, and more straggling Americans always within reach than she has time to play with, Anything else ? One other thing—a social position of definite distinction, with a small army of betters and a great army of inferiors. both clearly ascertained and recognized. And would such a position please her ? It is to be feared that it would. comicbooks.com