Life, 1903-05-14 · page 7 of 20
Life — May 14, 1903 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"A Symposium"** presents anthropomorphic objects offering success advice—a satirical format common to Life magazine. Each item (Button, Window, Pencil, Calendar, Ice, Microscope, Glove, Mirror, Plue, Door-bell, Knife, Glue, Night, Seal, Lathe, Compass, Camera, Crank, Ball, Orange, Oak, Clock, Barrel, Hammer, Nutmeg, Fire) dispenses wisdom, likely mocking self-help literature and fortune-cookie platitudes popular in the era. **"Preposterous"** depicts a marital exchange about clothing costs—husband worried about expenses, wife concerned about fashion competition with neighbors. This satirizes the gender dynamics and consumerism of the period, suggesting women's social status was tied to visible wealth displayed through dress. Both cartoons employ gentle irony rather than sharp political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
443 “Make much of small things,’’ said the Microscope. “Never do anything offhand,”’ said the Glove. “Spend much time in reflection,” said the Mirror. “Do the work you are suited for,”’ said the Flue. “Get a good pull with the ring,” said the Door-bell. “ Be sharp in all your dealings,” said the Knife. ** Find a good thing and stick to it,” said the Glue, “ Trust to your stars for success,” said the Night. “Strive to make a good impres- sion,’ said the Seal. “Turn all things to your advan- tage,”’ said the Lathe. “Make the most of your good points,"’ said the Compass. ** Be always on the lookout fora snap,” said the Camera. “ Bo ever ready todo a good turn. for anyone,” said the Crank, “Never take sides, but be round when you're wanted,” said the Ball. “ Sacrifice yourself, that through you others may succeed,’’ said the Orange. “ Keep a good heart, though you be drawn and quartered for it,’ said the Oak. Preposterous. #H USBAND: How much are your clothes “going to cost you next year? Wire: How can I tell what the other women in the neighborhood are going to wear? Teweee Corcin “ Wow LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN NeW YORK, UNCLE?" “LONG ENOUGH To KNOW neTTER.” A Symposium. “Do business on tick,” said the Clock. “PV HAT is the scoretof success?” Never lose your head,” said the asked the Sphinx, Barrel. “Push,”’ said the Button. “Do a driving business,” said the “ Tako pains,” said the Window. Hammer. : I “Never be led,” said the Pencil. * Aspire to greater things,”’said the = = = “Be up to date,” said the Cal- Nutmeg. oy cs Mrs. Fish: Now ust KEEP AWAY A MINUTE, endar, “Make light of everything,” said caitonex, aNd £ WILL GeT THAT WonM ALL “« Always keep cool,”’ said the Ice. the Fire. RIGUT. comicbooks.com