Life — December 20, 1900 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This illustration depicts a woman reclining on a bed surrounded by scattered books, holding what appears to be a manuscript or document. The caption mentions "her friends" and references "relief" and "woke up of the old order." The satire appears to criticize intellectual or literary pretension—specifically, a woman surrounded by books, suggesting she fancies herself a serious reader or writer. The scattered volumes and her relaxed posture humorously undermine this pretense. The reference to "woke up of the old order" is unclear without additional context, but likely comments on changing social attitudes, possibly regarding women's roles or education. The cartoon may be mocking either excessive literary affectation or, conversely, women's newfound intellectual independence—depending on *Life* magazine's editorial stance at the time of publication.