Life, 1910-06-02 · page 41 of 56
Life — June 2, 1910 — page 41: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains **a literary review and advertisements**, not political cartoons. The **"Rhymed Reviews"** section satirizes H.G. Wells's novel *The History of Mr. Polly* (1910). The reviewer humorously warns readers that Wells's smooth writing seduces them into sympathizing with Mr. Polly—a lower-middle-class Englishman—who commits arson by burning his shop. The satire suggests Wells manipulates readers into endorsing criminality through his narrative charm. The review summarizes Polly's plot: a mediocre man, inspired by literature and dreams, attempts suicide-by-arson to benefit his wife through insurance, but instead flees and finds happiness at a country inn with its proprietor. **The advertisements** promote the Waterman's Ideal fountain pen (emphasizing its leak-proof safety features for travelers) and the Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Company's scenic cruise route. The page reflects early 20th-century literary debate about whether fiction should inspire or enable immoral behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Rhymed Reviews The History of Mr. Polly (By H. G. Wells, Duffield & Co.) Beware the snare of H. G. Wells! Though smooth he talks as any par- son, Whoever lists the tale he tells May catch himself committing arson! For that’s what Mr. Polly does— Burns up his shop and doesn’t rue it, While this man Wells—oh, dear me suz!— Abets the crime and sees him through it! Poor Polly lived among the mass That aspiration rarely quickens, The English Lower Middle Class, Familiarized by Mr. Dickens. He read and dreamed (though one de- tects In him no aim to solve a Question), Aharmles chap, whose chief defects Were indolence and indigestion. RICHELIEU & ONTARIO NAVIGATION Co. ~ NG THE RAPIDS eee NIAGARA TO THE SEA Pecorh the Venetian Sccnery of the Thousand HEGS. the exciting descent of all the marvelous futisand the historic Associations of Old Quebee {seer raltar) thence to the incomparable a a 1, with its majestic Capes. nity" Sen Gc. postage for ttlustrated gulde. 10S. HENRY, Trafic Manager Dept. "X" The Most Important Part (Of Your Vacation Outfit To is nothing more necessary to the con- venience of those who travel than a reliable fountain pen. Remember that it is the superior writing qualities of Waterman's Ideals that will serve you best. Wherever you go take your Waterman's Ideal, and you will at once appreciate that your letters home and \friendly post cards can be written with the ease and comfort for which present day pen making has proficiently | provided. | Booklet on Request is made to carry in any position you want to. It can roll around in your grip or trunk and cannot spill. The barrel is sealed by the cap (as illustrated). The gold pen screws out into place for writing by a simple little twist, when the cap is off. Aboid Imitations and Substitutes L. E. Waterman Go., 173 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 8 School St., Boston - 189 Clark St., Chicago - 734 Market St., San Francisco - 123 St. Francols Xavier St., Oppressed by debt, he bared a knife To conquer woes beyond endurance, And dropped a lamp to leave his wife The benefit of all insurance ; Affording refuge swe lontreal - 12 Goléen Lane, Londoo A coroner pronounced him dead; A floating body wore his clothing The Potwell Inn near Lammam town and shady, There Mr. Polly settled down Then didn’t kill himself, but fled Afar from all that gave him loathing. "Moatreal,Can, fF 1027 To help the pleasant tavern lady. (Continued on page 1030) comicbooks.com