Life — March 19, 1914 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Life" Magazine: "Renunciation" Satire This page satirizes wealthy philanthropy through the character "Phyllis," depicted in the poem by Corinne Rockwell Swain. The satire is biting: Phyllis performs charity work while maintaining her privileged lifestyle—she observes Lent, donates to orphans, and limits smoking to three cigarettes daily, all while riding in a luxury limousine. The accompanying illustration titled "The Arrogance of Wealth" reinforces this message, showing an elegant motorcar and well-dressed figures on a street. The satire criticizes how the wealthy use modest charitable gestures and religious observance as cover for their fundamental self-interest and class superiority. Their "renunciation" is performative rather than genuine sacrifice.