Life, 1898-04-02 · page 4 of 32
Life — April 2, 1898 — page 4: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of "The Debutante" Page from Life Magazine This page presents a theatrical sketch titled "The Debutante" featuring characters including Marian Ashurst, Jack, Alice, and Mr. Van Leydam Beedam. The illustration shows a formal dinner scene with a woman and man at a table, depicting what appears to be social comedy around a young woman's debut into society. The dialogue suggests satire of debutante culture—the elaborate coming-of-age ritual for upper-class young women. References to "Second floor" and "dressing room" indicate backstage theatrical action, while Alice's comment about "nonsense" and wanting to "go down" suggests the sketch mocks the pretension and artificiality of these social conventions. The humor appears to target the formality and expectations surrounding a woman's introduction to high society.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
CHARACTERS Manian Asiiunst, A Dénerante Mr. Van Luypaw Berpam, A Society Man Miss Asimenst’s Brorien A FPriexp JACK, ALICE, Scexe: A cou in which the debe tunte, w bewildering mass of white satin and soft’ furs, is being driven rapidly to her destination. Deontante (ina sank): “Oh, de how cold my hands are! And my thre dry T have to swallow every five seconds otten all Jack's advice, MT dot 100. Good gracious, here her gloves, vanishes within a mansion.) Lackey (opening doar): Second thoor front, pleas (Debutante stairs, fearful of being late, and hurries rushes past him up the ives sev. ) but brushes m, oblivious of everything.) Alice (out tite years): “Why, Marian, don't you know me? Ts this your first dinner? Aren't: you frightened? But no, you look as calm as an old cam paigner, T want yon to meet Miss = (Introduces her to the others.) Debutante (bowing and smiling neve ond): Tam 1 look calm, y to keep my teeth from Alice : are we waiting for (The déhatante trails reluctantly in the r) Frankl. Bur Let's yo down.” “What nonsense what “How do you do?" “How “ Most extraordinary young person.” (See page 267.)