Life, 1898-04-07 · page 8 of 20
Life — April 7, 1898 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Crewell Stepmother" - Analysis This appears to be a satirical dialogue about church attendance during Lent, illustrated by a pixelated/halftone image titled "THE CREWELL STEPMOTHER." The cartoon depicts a stern-faced woman in Victorian dress, seemingly representing a restrictive, disapproving figure—likely a stepmother character. The surrounding dialogue mocks upper-class social hypocrisy around religious observance: characters discuss attending church during Lent as social obligation rather than genuine piety, joke about "lovely sermons" without substance, and reveal that religious practices are performed primarily for appearance and social standing. The "stepmother" image likely represents the judgmental, rigid enforcement of these superficial religious conventions—the uncomfortable social authority that demands proper behavior regardless of authentic belief.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Coming Out of Church. “ Deliver us from the vain pomp and glory of this wicked world.” ss ASN’T that a lovely sermon “I'm sure (absently) it was made over from last year. Oh, excuse me, I meant Clara Poplin’s hat. Yes, it was lov The sermon, I mean “He touches one’s heart so, when he wants to. Are you going to Sadie Smallerton’s re “Doesn't he be there?” “Oh, everyone, I suppose. I didn't sce Helen Van Antler in church.” “No; her dog was ill, and couldn't come. to send me these prayer-boc “Sweet. He sent me a set last year. They are so handy, I just hate the ones they have in church,” “sodo I to catch some- g. How that Maud Pierrepont did look around during the 7% Denn.” “Didn't she! She was eption 7” So earnest. Who will she Wasn't it lovely in Jack One is so trying to see what Min nie Musgrove, who sat back of had They never liked each other. He doesn’t look strong, does he?” “Who, Jack 7” € the He's perfectly I think.” “Lov “Yes; sweet, delicate. 1 don’t how can just adoring him.” “Nor I Such a me, on. °, minister lovely, but so See anyone help dear “He dancing “How ys he thinks all right.” liberal! Did you manage to get to church in Lent?” “Oh, yes. I think one ought to. I didn’t see you there.” “T just couldn't, You know the Hootem Tootem lectures came on Wed- nesday.”” “So they did. I went last year. Well, come in and see me. “Thanks. Now that Lent is neariy over, I'll have more time.” “Of course. [don’t see how he preaches so well.” It was a lovely sermon. “Wasn't it? Good-by.” “ Lovely sermon, wasn't it?" “Splendid. But he aiways is good. How very well your daughters looked.” “And yours, too, It keeps one busy looking out for one’s girls.” “Doesn'tit? But itis a good thing. I believe in letting them enjoy their youth. I always welcome Lent. It gives me time to plan their costumes.” “True, it’s a great blessing. be glad—' “When they're married? So shall I.” “The vestry are talking of sending him abroad, I think he needs it.” “‘SodolI, So delicate.” “He will go for the summer, I pre- sume.” “y It would bea great depriva- tion to lose him.” “Wouldn't it! Such a lovely sermon “Wasn't it!” (In a whisper) *‘Come around to the club, old man, and have a high ball.” “Can't come now, old fellow. I must these girls home. Join you later.” “Nonsense. You'll hang around them all the afternoon. Brace up and be a man.” I shall “Wasn't it a lovely sermon, dear?” “Possibly. It ought to have been.” THE CREWEL STEPMOTHER.