Life, 1897-04-01 · page 7 of 20
Life — April 1, 1897 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "One Way of Doing It" This satirical illustration depicts a social comedy about marriage and domestic priorities. Two women sit together while a man stands nearby; the dialogue reveals the satire's target. When a friend suggests that honor and love should guide a wife, Mrs. Giddily responds that she instead prioritizes her husband's money, "honor the family plate, and obey my own wishes." The cartoon mocks the mercenary attitudes of some wives toward marriage, suggesting that financial gain and material comfort—rather than affection or moral values—drive their decisions. The title "One Way of Doing It" sarcastically presents this materialistic approach as a valid marital strategy. The sketch exemplifies *Life* magazine's satirical commentary on upper-class social pretense and the gap between professed Victorian values and actual behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Friend: Xow, THE TRUTH, EDITH. ONE WAY OF DOING IT. DON'T YOU FIND IT RATHER HARD TO LOVE, HONOR AND OBEY ? Mrs. Giddily: WELL, NO. 1 LOVE MY IUSBAND'S MONEY, HONOR THR FAMILY PLATE, AND OBEY MY OWN WISHES. germ walked up, introduced himself, and remarking that he knew they would be the best of friends, soon had the tonic under his influence. Then the man sent for another doctor. And this one prescribed quinine. And when the quinine entered, the malaria germ shook hands, remarked that he was glad to see him, gave hima hearty welcome, and won him over with- out half trying. Then the man sent for six other doc- tors in quick succession. And each doc- tor prescribed something different. And as each remedy entered, the ma- laria germ took him aside, slapped him on the back, and made him feel thor- oughly at home. So jovial did they become, that a club was formed of all the members present. And the malaria germ was unanimously elected president. The object of the club was mutual enjoyment, without regard for the prem- ises. And they had a high old time. It was then that the man grew sus- picious, and he made avow. He vowed that’ from that time on he would never have another doctor. Of course, after this happened, the club gradually broke up, and the malaria germ, perceiving that he was left alone, went away of his own accord. Tom Masson, AN EXPLANATION. E passed the hat—and_ willingly, although He thoroughly abhors an outward show Of charity, believing that no good Results from public giving —always would Prefer his alms in private to bestow. On this occasion, nathless, with a slow And measured step, expectance bringing low And disappointment to the neighbor- hood, He passed the hat. ‘Tis strange with his convictions he should go Out of his way to do it, but we grow Atonce in years and wisdom. Signs that could Not bé by a worse dolt misunderstood Reminded him ‘twas April first, and so He passed the hat. Edward W. Barnard. comicbooks.com