Life, 1910-12-22 · page 14 of 44
Life — December 22, 1910 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This story-based cartoon satirizes early 20th-century American culture's addiction to constant stimulation and entertainment. A wise advisor proposes that suitors for a princess must spend one hour daily in solitude with only the word "REFLECT" for company—a radical deprivation in an era of newspapers, books, and music. The joke: a young suitor, forced to be alone with himself for the first time, discovers he doesn't actually want to marry the princess. The satire targets the modern avoidance of introspection and self-examination. By constantly filling time with external diversions, people avoid confronting their true desires and character. The accompanying crude illustrations (a slipper, a cherub) are decorative. The acrostic poem "Acrostic" and the brief joke "Nipped in the Bud" are filler content typical of Life magazine's satirical format, mocking social pretense and romantic delusions respectively.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A FELT SLIPPER The Decision HERE was once a beautiful princess, who reigned over a large and popu- lous kingdom; and inasmuch as she was as wise as she was good, and there was no one to approach her in character and general estimability every one was ex- cecdingly anxious to keep her happy and well. The wisest man in the kingdom was appointed her chief advisor. One day she sent for hit and said: “J wish to get married, but I am con- cerned to get the right suitor. Can you suggest some test which will be sufficient to insure me the right man? "* The wise man trembled for a moment and then said: “Your Majesty, this is something that must have the most profound thought. Let me consult with some of the other wise men of the kingdom and I will en- deavor to meet your wishes.”* He departed, and the next day came in and, bowing profoundly, said: “O Gracious Majesty, it is my opinion that every suitor who presents himself for your hand should be subjected to the following test: For one week after he has made application he shall be made to stay by himself for an hour each day, and during this period no one. shall speak to him, nor shall he be allowed any means of entertainment, such as newspapers, books, music or anything whatsoever to divert his mind."’ The princess expressed her astonish- ment at this singular test. “Why,” she exclaimed, “I can im: ine nothing worse than that. No one, in these days, thinks of remaining by him- self or herself. Consider all the energy that from time immemorial has been ex- erted to provide means to keep people from themselves!) Our whole educa- tional system is for the purpose of per- fecting us iu means whereby we can com- municate with each other. This is hor- rible.”” “ Nevertheless,’’ respectfully replied the man of wisdom, “this is the result LPB of our profound thought, and if Your Majesty will agree to it I believe that you will later see its wisdom.” The princess, not wishing to be too contrary, even though she was a woman, consented, and suitors began to gather from all parts of the world. The great majority of them were dismissed off- hand, as not being worthy to submit themselves to the test, but there yet re- mained a respectable number. Of these a comely young man, the son of a near- by monarch, had the first choice. The moment he laid eyes on the princess he went into raptures over her beauty, and when he had briefly conversed with her he could scarcely contain himself. In- deed, his impetuosity was such as to in- voke the sympathy of the most stony hearted. The edict had gone forth, however, and he was obliged to submit. Every day for one week he was for one hour placed in the utmost seclusion in a hidden chamber, the only motto on the wall being the word oe ew ee REFLECT er) which was placed in a conspicuous place where he would constantly be confronted by it. At the end of the week he was brought once more before the princess, while the wise man and his distinguished commit- tee ranged themselves on one side. He at once threw himself on the floor in a supplicating attitude. “Your Majesty,’ he said, “no words “GET OFF'N MIS) STUMMICK; CAN'T YOU SFE YOU ARE TICKLING HIM INTO HYSTERICKS? '? “DONT BE AFRAID, YOUNGSTER, NEVER BREN KNOWN TO JUMP OUT O¥ THAT Box!” can express my sorrow at what I must y, but for the first time in my life I ¢ been alone with myself and, after thinking it all over, I have come to the conclusion that I don’t want to get mar- ried after all. I therefore beg to with- draw my application.’” The princess waved her hand over the other suitors dismissing them all. Then she turned to the wise man. So this is your little game?" she said. “You didn’t want me to get mar- ried at all, and you thought that if you gave them all time to reflect they would all back out?” The wise man bowed profoundly. “Yes, Your Majesty,’ he replied. “That's the truth. I never knew any man in the course of my experience who would ever get married if he had a proper period of reflection beforehand.”” Acrostic Wanton winds wounding wayfarers. Inclement interval inviting indoors. Naked nature nonchalantly narcotic. ‘Tempestuous temperature temera threatening. Exhausted earth etiolating externally. Rigorous recess radically refrigeratory. Nipped in the Bud ARK Too bad about Bilter's boy, wasn’t it—got him graduated from college and thaught he had a career be- fore him. Laxe: What happened ? Parke: Why, he has just eloped with the lady chauffeur. Hicn finance covers low deals. comicbooks.com