Life, 1901-09-19 · page 5 of 20
Life — September 19, 1901 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 225 This page contains two satirical pieces from early 20th-century Life magazine: **"The Likeness"** mocks someone (addressed as "Dear Madge") for sending an unflattering photograph. The poem suggests the portrait is so poor it doesn't capture the subject's actual charm and grace—implying the photograph reveals unflattering truths the subject wishes hidden. **"Concert"** depicts a man leaning over to speak with a seated woman. The dialogue references a concert of Europe and mentions the "Dowager Empress" and "Tsaung La Yamen," suggesting diplomatic or political matters involving imperial Russia or Asia. The man's deferential posture and "affected malveté" suggest he's either flattering her or discussing serious international affairs with calculated charm. Both pieces satirize social pretense and artifice.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Oupyright, 1901, by Life Puttisning Ca She; 1 SOMETIMES WONDER WHETHER ALL THOSE THINGS YOU SAID TO ME WERE TRUE. “WHAT DIPPERENCE DOES IT MAKE? WE BOTH BELIEVED THEM Concert. The Likeness. Why, yes! “ W HAT! Your Majesty will let The portrait’s dainty, smart; the Powers whistle for their Tho’ it but half discovers indemnity? ’’ exclaimed the Tsung Li To say without dissembling The graces of its counterpart, Yamen, aghast. Whether the photograph you send The charm which round you hovers— “Why, yes, ’twill help along the Is in the least resembling. Yet, true to life, it has no heart concert of Europe, you know !’? re- (Lest praise or blame of mine offend, And smiles on all your lovers! plied the Dowager Empress, with a I write in fear and trembling!) hat. ih droll affectation of natveté.”’ Drr MADGE— ‘You ask me, ‘asa friend,” comicbooks.com