Life — February 9, 1905 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Reason Why" - Life Magazine Page 171 This page contains two separate pieces: **Left section ("The Reason Why"):** A satirical story about theater-goers during a matinee performance, likely from the early 20th century. The humor centers on women audience members scrambling to collect their belongings before the curtain falls, creating commotion. The punchline reveals they rush because they're "New Yorkers" who must catch trains or boats—implying New Yorkers are perpetually hurried and impatient. The satire targets urban rushing culture and female theater-goers' priorities. **Right section ("Moments of History"):** Two brief anecdotes. The first depicts Aesculapius (Greek god of medicine) discovering appendicitis. The second shows a mother declining to tell her child a fairy tale, saying the father will return home with one instead—likely mocking men's tendency to exaggerate or fabricate stories. The illustrations are period ink drawings typical of Life's satirical style.