Life, 1911-11-02 · page 44 of 56
Life — November 2, 1911 — page 44: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This cartoon satirizes the social vice of gossip, particularly among women of means. The sketch depicts two theater-going women, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Green, engaging in a running commentary about other patrons—cataloging their appearances, wealth, and scandals. The humor lies in the repeated gesture: whenever Mrs. Brown begins spreading rumors ("they do say"), her hand goes to her mouth—a physical acknowledgment of gossip-mongering. The targets include Mr. Mammon (likely a reference to wealth worship), Mrs. Haggard with her excessive diamonds, divorced couples, and the mysterious Willie Wagg. The title "A Modern Instance" suggests this depicts contemporary (early 20th-century) American social behavior. The satire critiques not just idle chatter, but the class-conscious scrutiny of others' appearances, morality, and financial status—exposing how gossip functions as a tool of social surveillance among the wealthy leisure class.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HE excellence of a writing paper lies in the clearness of its color, the firmness and evenness of its texture, and what is most important, in the perfection of its surface. The pen, no matter what style of point it may have nor what character of hand you may write, should ride over the paper easily. Organdie Glacé embodies these qualities. At present it is the most widely demand- ed fine writing paper. It is made in sizes and shapes suitable for every so- cial requirement, and is sold by all dealers in high grade stationery. When you think of writing, Think of Whiting. WHITING PAPER COMPANY New York Chicago Philadelphia Botton Mills: Holyoke, Mass. Mxs. Green: Isn't she pretty! “They Do Say” A MODERN INSTANCE. Mrs. Brown: Yes. Mr. Mammon thinks so, too. Persons: Mrs. Brown and Mrs, Green, Mas. Greens: What do you mean? Place: At the theatre, Mrs. Brown: Well, they do say— Time: The end of the first act, (up goes the hand to the mouth). Mas. Brown: Thank goodness that Mrs, Green: Mercy! much is over! Mrs, Brows: There is Mrs. Haggard. Mus. Green: Now we can sce the Mrs, Green: With all the diamonds? people: Mas, Maows: Yes. And she hasn't Mus. Brows: There is Mr. Mammon. got on half of them. Mrs. Isn’t he ugly! Mrs, Green: Isn't she a sight! Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Climber are with him, Mrs. Brown: Mr. and Mrs. Squatter are with her, and Willie Wagg. Best of All, HUNTER HIGH-BALL Sold at all first-ctass cafes and by jobbers. Sanmowe RY fi amon RY! nT tad bareetNt te WM. LANAHAN & SON, Baltimore, Md, Makes the best cocktail, A pleasing aromat.c with all Wine, spirit and soda beverages. Appetis'ng, healthful, to. use with Grape Fruit, Oranges, Wine Jelly. At Wine Mer- chants or Druggists. Sample by mail, 2c in stamps, C. W. ABBOTT & CO. ‘imore, Md. Mxs, Greex: Willie Wagg? Who is he? Mrs. Brown: Well, they do say—(up goes the hand to the mouth again). Mrs, Green: Land’s sake! Mrs. Brows: There are Mr. and Mrs, Muck, Mxs. Green: They have both been di- vorced, haven't they? I Can Make Youa Convincing Speaker says this man, Grenville Keiser, Will you give him the opportunity ? People always listen to a man who has something to say—if he knows how to say it, Ninety-nine men ta every hundred tn the crowed professions will probably never rise above rity because the taining of the voice is ‘and considered of no knportance,” Isn't there a world of truth in his words? Haven't there becn occasions when you have noted ihe tremendous advantage possessed by the man who caa clearly expresa himself before one or a thousand people? If you are lacking in this essential qualification, why not acquire it now Let Grenvill HOW —at PUBLIC MEETINGS t DINNERS. —4NY WHERE Let Him Teach You How to Develop Self-Confidence Power and Personality It will take only fifccen minutes of your time daily for afew months, and the resultsare assured. Mr, Kleiser's successful students number thousands of men in every, profession and business—lawyera, physicians, bankers. clergymen, teachers, salesmen, and other ambitious men ‘who desireto win recognition in fraternalordersand clubs A Successful Manufacturer “The great work being done to your TP Tam sure, Lally understood by the Public, age bes news Ban. Yeut eld for usetalness Is practically unlimited and Uoresee fe studying your € VAs tor myselt Lean es great value tome, ‘This work stands foe gr and power and every tevson fs an Inspiration.” —C. L. Van L VicePresident, BP. Centemerl & Coy Kid Glove Manutacte New York. kay” USE THIS COUPON, PLEASE, NOW “Ga YUSK & WAGSALLS COMPASY, Dept. 215, New York, Without cost nr chillgation to me, please tend fell information tee ding cost of ser Corres ¢ Course fa Pate je Seesking and the Development of Mental Poser and Personality. Local Addrest.. comicbooks.com