Life, 1900-04-12 · page 3 of 20
Life — April 12, 1900 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 315 This page features a satirical illustration of high society etiquette. The main cartoon depicts four elegantly dressed figures at what appears to be a formal event, with a woman in an elaborate gown with a prominent train. The caption reads: "Mrs. H.: 'Miss Catterson dresses extremely well, doesn't she?' 'Yes, but she keeps her husband worried to death all the time.' Mrs. H. (admiringly): 'Well! It's worth it!'" Below is a poem titled "Geddie Sprig" about a poorly-behaved guest, followed by brief comic dialogue about social climbing and uncomfortable shoes. The satire targets upper-class pretension—suggesting that fashionable women justify expensive dress by the worry it causes their husbands, and that suffering (uncomfortable shoes) is an acceptable price for social status. It mocks both conspicuous consumption and the era's gender dynamics around female fashion.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copyright, 1900, by Lise Pubtuning Co. Mrs, Ht MWS, CATTERSON DRESSES EXTREMELY WELL, DOESN'T SHE? “YES, BUT SUR KEEPS NER HUSBAND WORKIED TO DEATH, ALL Mrs. H, (admiringly): WxiL 1's worrtit Tt NICKER: Jones wants to get into the Hall of Fame. Bocxer: But he can’t; you've got to be dead tcn years. ‘He's lived in Philadelphia that long.” Geddle Sprig. wrode a splo'did poeb lasd dighd, Aboud 8weed Sprig, thad tibe so pleasig; Bud had to burd id up to light The fire to keeb byself frob freezig. THE TIME.” H” SBAND : Why do you persist in wearing shoes that pinch your feet? Wire: Oh, I never could feel comfort- able in a comfortable shoe.