Life, 1909-05-20 · page 33 of 36
Life — May 20, 1909 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes marital discord through a domestic dispute. A man arrives home late, attempting to explain his absence by claiming he stayed at "the Thompson's, playing." His wife confronts him skeptically, suggesting his excuse is unconvincing or dishonest. The caption "Useless" implies the man's explanation is futile—that arguing with his wife about his whereabouts is pointless. The humor derives from the era's common trope of husbands fabricating excuses for late nights out (likely at bars or social venues), while wives remain justifiably suspicious. The cartoon mocks both the husband's transparent deception and the futility of conjugal argument, suggesting that wives simply won't accept such flimsy alibis regardless of persuasive effort. This reflects early 20th-century gender dynamics, portraying women as shrewd domestic gatekeepers skeptical of male behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
orrified slowly Down ind the iquents ng the whose it ree all the ] / ARMER weather in- troduces the subject of Motor Clothing and Livery for the country, We tender our services, You may find our prices a relief, Catalogue on request NEW YORK Fifth Avenue, above 27th Street Beoadway at Warren Street BROOKLYN ) Fehon Street at Flatbush Avenue Broadway at Bedford Avenue DO YOU MEAN BY COMING HOME AT THIS MOUR, AND IN SUCIE A WELL, MARY—Y’SEE I STAID A LIL’ LATE AT TIE THOMPSON'S, PLAYING IT HAPPENS THAT THE THOMPSON'S MAVE BEE! 'S THE USE OF ARGUING WITH A WOMAN.” Registered Established Trade Halfa lark Century Dresses, Suits and Waists At McCutcheon’s Linen Dresses—Made in French and other suitable Linens, in many attractive models. The colors are blue, pink, lavender, tan, natural, coral, apricot, also white. Priced at $15.00, 20.00, 25.00, 35.00 to 100.00. Lingerie Dresses—In a very complete and dainty assortment, at $15.00, 20.00, 25.00, 35.00, 50,00 to 150.00. French and Domestic Lingerie Waists—At $3.00, 3.50, 5.00, 7.50 to 50.00. Tailored Linen Waists—Made in our own workrooms, $2.50, 3.50, 4.50, 7.50 and up. Tailored Suits of French Serge and Rajah Silk—For Summer wear. Black, navy blue and white Serge, at $25.00, 35.00, 45.00. Rajah Silk suits in a good range of colors at $30.00, 35.00, 45.00, 60.00. Ramie Linen Coat Suit—In all the new thades for Spring and Summer wear, An exceptionally attractive and stylish model is offered at the special price of $20.00. Linen Suits—Coat and skirt tailored in latest style of the season in Austrian of Etamine Linen, finished with black jet or pearl buttons. Unusually good valu, Price, $25.00. Mail Orders recesve our prompt attention. James McCutcheon & Co. 5th Ave. & 34th St., Opposite Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. First aid to the host. Fine at meal time’ & Youcaneell all times. _ a Blatz Bottle a MinwauKee The one _ notable achievement in brewing. The veritable fulfillment of beer character, quality and Always the same Good Old Blatz. healthfulness. Ask for it at club, café or buffet. Insist on “Blats.”’ Dealers are invited to correspond direct. VAL. BLATZ BREWING CO., MILWAUKEE, WIS, ‘Wott the Val. Blats Brewtog Co., mentiontng this paper tor their interestiog booklet eatiled “A Geatal Philosopher.” ee comicbooks.com