Life, 1900-05-03 · page 3 of 20
Life — May 3, 1900 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 375 This page presents "Historic Bits: XV—That Charter Oak Episode," a satirical dialogue about witchcraft accusations. The illustration depicts a colonial-era scene with figures in period dress gathered around what appears to be a formal proceeding or confrontation. The text includes two poems: "Witchcraft" (addressing a Salem resident accused of witchcraft) and "Naturally" (a brief comedic exchange about salary increases). The "Witchcraft" poem references Salem-town and invokes historical witch-trial persecution, while mocking the era's superstitious hysteria. The satire appears to criticize both colonial-era witch hunts and, more broadly, how public suspicion and accusations can destroy reputations. The juxtaposition with the mundane salary discussion in "Naturally" creates ironic contrast between serious historical injustice and everyday workplace concerns.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ist, in special sitable ze will it will nts, it about 1 like. }} for the black. EMBLE, books jf usiness IF HISTORIC BITS. Xv. THAT CHARTER OAK EPISODE — SUDDEN: HAD DISAPPEARED!” Witchcraft. OOTH, hudst thou lived in Salem-town, Thou rogue with those blithe eyes of brown, Sweet Mistress Dorothy, Some goodman would have writ thee down For arrant witchery ! When first I saw thy roso-lips part, And heard thy voice’s winsome art, Deep in the pit I fell; Marry, doiiver up my heart !— (Or thine would do as well). Clinton Seollard, TAE LIGHTS WERE EXTINGUISHED—AND WHEN THEY WERE KELIT—THE DOCUMENT Naturally. M AYME (disconsolately): My in- I crease in salary hasn't done me a bit of good. Marie: Dear me: Why hasn't it? Maye (more disconsolately): It Las just made my wants increase.