Life, 1897-03-25 · page 11 of 24
Life — March 25, 1897 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Bargains in Hearts" - Life Magazine, Page 233 This page features a whimsical illustration by a cupid figure offering "hearts for sale" at bargain prices. The poem by Maud Holford beneath uses heart metaphors to satirize romance and relationships: hearts that are "tender" or "brave," worn-out hearts, broken hearts that have been "restored," and hearts "set on a coronet" (suggesting mercenary marriage to nobility). The satire critiques the commercialization of romance and love in modern society. It mocks various relationship types—sentimental, damaged, social-climbing—by treating hearts as merchandise with different values and conditions. The cupid's street-vendor setup transforms romantic love into a literal marketplace transaction, suggesting that in contemporary society, even the most intimate human emotions have been reduced to commodities to be bought and sold.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
OR sale: A very fine line of hearts At prices far below cost, A circumstance which affords you a chance To replace the one you have lost. Hearts that are tender; hearts that are brave; One that's been worn ona sleeve Is marked down so low it surely must go, Though it és somewhat soiled, you perceive. Broken hearts, too, that have been ‘restored; "" One that has only a crack; And hearts that are set on a coronet, For lovers of bric-d-brac. Sad hearts, glad hearts, hearts of gold, Hearts that gold only can buy; And a heart so true it will just suit you If you'll only take it to try. Maud Hosford. comicbooks.com