Life, 1902-08-21 · page 20 of 20
Life — August 21, 1902 — page 20: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**The Cartoon:** The sketch titled "Rustic Wit" depicts a rural exchange between a countryman and what appears to be a gentleman at a gate. The humor is simple wordplay: when asked if he got through the gate, the rustic replies that he saw a load of hay pass through that morning—implying the gentleman could do the same if hay can fit. This is gentle, class-based humor typical of early 20th-century publications, poking fun at rural simplicity versus urban sophistication. **The Advertisements:** The page is primarily advertising for luxury consumer goods: Havana cigars endorsed by the Prince of Wales, German digestive bitters, Brighton silk garters, and Scotch whisky. These reflect the affluent readership Life targeted—the magazine was satirical but expensive, marketed to upper-class readers interested in both social commentary and luxury products. The overall content represents Life's dual nature: humor for the educated elite alongside aspirational advertisements.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
RUSTIC WIT, ANC GRT THROUGH THE GATE, MY MAN? I DARESAY YOU COULD. I SAW A LOAD OF HAY GO THROUGH THIS if rincip 2 “Eales Boonekamp Bitters Promotes digestion. Provides pppetite. The best bitters in the world for all stomnch complaints Founded 1846 Rhcinberg Germany ryshere BRIGHTON Silk Garter Does Not Bind the Leg. See that “Brighton” Is on theclasp. 25 centsa pate ak dealers or et: ‘usrenoen ete ee. fedetphias MER OF THE J. W. PRATT Cou MEW YORES ; Scotch Whiskies | JOHN HOPKINS & CO. 7] GLASGOW AND LONDON, “Glen Garry” AND “Navy Liqueur” “The best Scotch whiskies, the favorites of connoisseurs.” Booklet of all our wines sent upon requert Cc. ARNOLD & C0. AGENTS FOR U. S., 27 South William St. NEW YORK. comicbooks.com