Life, 1902-07-03 · page 3 of 24
Life — July 3, 1902 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Honeymoon Time" - Life Magazine Commentary This satirical piece critiques honeymoon culture and post-wedding social dynamics during the early 1900s. The illustration depicts a bride and groom amid romantic imagery (flowers, stars, cherubs). The text mocks the honeymoon experience with sharp observations: newlyweds hurry through tourist destinations while the wider world continues indifferently. It satirizes the mechanical behavior of "Papa and Mamma," outdated social customs (old books being exchanged), and conspicuous consumption—silk hats, tailored gowns, expensive travel to Niagara Falls and Washington. The piece targets the artificiality of honeymoon performances: couples performing happiness for society while engaging in predictable, unoriginal rituals. The final quote ("That's what makes me go round!") suggests cynicism about marriage's true motivations beneath romantic pretense.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Honeymoon Time. THIS is honeymoon time. the valleys. of doorsteps. man seats. to the amount. Church aisles are waxing reminiscent. At home, in the silent spare room, the wedding presents lie clustered awaiting the return of Orange blossoms fill Old shoes still linger by the sides Porters are flecking rice from the Pull- Parsons are thoughtful or gay, according the owners. And certain other useless but expensive ornaments are hiding their lights in safe deposit drawers. = Papa and mamma go about their <S duties mechanically. Papa is ab- sorbed in the past. Mamma, more cheerful, in the future. Hands are being clasped in hotel corridors. Certain old prehistoric looks are being exchanged in shady lanes, on the deep sea, on railway trains and in other places. Money isbeingspent. Niagara and Washington are in the same mood. In the smoking-rooms cigars are being puffed hastily, remorsefally. In the dining-rooms lumps of sugar are dealt out with conspicuous blushes. Waiters are smiling, old stagers are being bored, and indifference is being simulated in vain. Silk hats and tailor-made gray traveling gowns are hob- nobbing. Flowers are being placed in certain button- holes, Kissing isa drug on the market. Honeymoon time is.here! Brides and grooms are hurry- ing North, South, East, West, while the old world smiles to itself and says: “That's what makes me go round !"” Tom Masson. comicbooks.com