Life, 1898-08-25 · page 3 of 20
Life — August 25, 1898 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 143 The main illustration depicts a woman in medieval or Renaissance costume standing prominently before a fortified city and assembled crowds. The caption reads: "I AM A PEACEFUL MAIDEN, BUT AN ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF." This appears to be satirical commentary on female independence and self-sufficiency, likely from the early 20th century when women's rights were debated. The woman's confident pose—holding a staff, dressed ornately—contrasts with traditional notions of passive femininity. The historical costume suggests ironic comparison to historical female figures. The accompanying text announces Life's Short Story Contest winners. Below are humorous exchanges mocking ancient philosophy and religion, and a poem titled "Hobson's Choice" about military heroism. The overall page combines satirical commentary on gender roles with literary content typical of Life magazine's satirical format.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Rea “1AM A PEACEFUL MAIDEN, BUT AM ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.” International Axiom. N future, Spain may boast with truth, No matter what we get, Upon the Spanish colonies Tho sun will never set. FAutt has sometimes been found with our Mayor Van Wyck as a Mayor, but asa life-saver there seem to be no speckles on him anywhere. His rescue of three young women from drowning on August 3d, as described in the newspapers, could not have been better done even by the Honorable Seth Low. It looks as though there was a basis to the suspicion long held by competent observers, that his Honor is not really in his element when he is ashore. Unlikely. RS, THRICEWED (of Chicago): I wonder if the ancients had a god of divorce? Mrs. Ortwep (of Dakota) : | suppose not. You know it is said that the mills of the gods grind slowly. Life’s Short Story Contest. THE WINNERS, HE following stories have been awarded prizes in Lire’s Short Story Contest: First Prize—‘* Our James,” by Robert Alston Stevenson, New York. Second Prize—** Old George,” by W. R. Rose, Cleveland, O, Third Prize—*The Princess's Step- mother,” by Duffield Osborne, New York. Hundreds of stories were received, and the work of conscientiously reading them all required many weeks, A num- ber of the stories were excellently well begun, but weakened at the end. Many contained good ideas, but were hastily written. A fair proportion were well written and contained good ideas, but in the opinion of the four judges were not suitable for Lire. The judges agreed, however, that the three decided upon were the best in the order of their merit as named, Lire congratulates the three winners, and thanks those who did not win for their contributions, and wishes them better luck another time. Contributors to the Short Story Con- test who failed to enclose return postage with their manuscripts should send stamps before September Ist, if they wish their stories returned. Hobson’s Choice. Lieutenant Hobson was kissed by a young lady from St. Lonis.—Newspaper Spectal. HERO bravo, who sped the wavo— At death showed naught but laughter With your picked crew— you little knew Tho porils that come after. Could you have seen with vision keen Ahead, and known your fate, sir: An end like this, a Western kiss— Well might you hesitato, sir. Young Hobson, Hail! You did not quail. Not yours to flunk or fear, 0. Tho Merrimac—that fervent smack, Both stamp you as a hero, Aud as on high the angel spry Records your name and station, He'll link that name to lasting famo With guns and osculation. comicbooks.com