Life, 1894-02-01 · page 7 of 14
Life — February 1, 1894 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Page 71 Analysis: Life Magazine Satire This page contains three separate satirical pieces mocking American society circa the Revolutionary War era and contemporary politics. **"Easily Explained"** (top cartoon): A joke about plain-looking women remaining unmarried, suggesting heaven lacks marriages because "good girls are always plain looking." **"Arithmetical Progression"** (main section): A dialogue between two citizens discussing John Greatworth's patriotic sacrifice for the colonies. The satire critiques hypocrisy: while praising Greatworth's honor publicly, citizens like "Goodman" commit petty theft (closing a neighbor's door to steal silver). It mocks self-righteous patriotism masking everyday dishonesty. **Bottom illustrations**: "A Respectful Negative" (a gnome figure) and "Getting on His Feet" depict social types, likely commentary on class and behavior. The overall message satirizes the gap between stated patriotic values and actual moral conduct.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
EASILY EXPLAINED. ‘WHY Is IT THAT THERE ARE NO MARRIAGES IN HEAVEN?” ‘(BECAUSE IN THIS WORLD THE GOOD GIRLS ARE ALWAYS PLAIN LOOKING,” ARITHMETICAL PROGRESSION. IRST CITIZEN (7776): Why this loud acclaim when John Greatworth, the elder, passeth ? SECOND CITIZEN: Not only hath he pledged his life, his fortune and his ——_——————_ sacred honor to the cause of the colonies, but he and all his A RESPECTFUL 50NS leave to-day for the field of battle. At his age, it be NEGATIVE. almost certain death e’en though he escape the bullets of the British. . . * First Ctrizen (2894): 1 see that a testimonial banquet has been given in honor of the editor of the Dasly Crvilizer. SECOND CITIZEN: And well deserved, too. The politi- cal boodlers of his party renominated themselves for office, and although they would have given large sums for his sup- port, he refused the bribe and opposed them. * . . First CITIZEN (7976): There is to be a great outpour- ing of the masses to do honor to Mr. Goodman, I hear. SECOND CitizEN: And why not, pray? Mr. Goodman, returning to his home late at night, discovered a neighbor's ._ front door wide open and, instead of slipping in and grabbing “4, the silver, he closed the door. My new dress will fit me like a glove. Will you dare wear it? “GETTING ON HIS FEET.”