Life — October 8, 1903 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 343 The page contains several satirical pieces. The main cartoon shows two men in what appears to be a room or office—one standing, one seated. The caption reads: "UNCLE, HERE'S THACKERY SAYS THAT A WOMAN CAN MARRY ANY MAN SHE WANTS TO." / "AND YET PEOPLE SAY HE ISN'T A PESSIMIST." This jokes about the writer Thackeray's cynical view of marriage—the implication being that if women can marry anyone they choose, yet people still marry, then Thackeray's pessimism about human nature (particularly male appeal or worth) is confirmed. The page also includes brief satirical pieces on "Business Sense" about railroads, "Missionaries," and other social commentary typical of Life magazine's humorous approach to contemporary society and literature.