Life, 1919-12-04 · page 55 of 80
Life — December 4, 1919 — page 55: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem satirizes wealthy elites, particularly those in high society. "Pachyderm" is a metaphor for thick-skinned, insensitive rich people who attend exclusive social gatherings. The satire critiques their moral character: they lack genuine pride ("concealed on his interior"), are impervious to criticism ("thick of hide"), and possess no wit—yet they dominate "the best society" anyway. The joke is that these vapid, unrefined people somehow command social prestige simply through wealth and exclusivity, not merit or intelligence. The accompanying advertisements (Tiffany & Co., Houbigant perfume, Park & Tilford) reinforce the target: luxury goods marketed to precisely this shallow, status-conscious crowd. The satire mocks how financial access, not character, determines social standing during this Gilded Age period.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘CHRISTMAS LIFE- The Pachyderm (“ The Pachyderm, a thick-skinned animal.”—Dictionary.) HE pachyderm is thick of hide, To hints he is superior; He hasn't got a bit of pride Concealed on his interior. A gathering most exclusive, ~ gf And simply winks his little cyes TI FFANY & ( If others grow abusive. O Yet pachyderms, one must admit, . Show admirable sobriety, Bat v0. Crougte quite devoid of wit, DIAMOND AND GEM MERCHANTS They pack the best society. PEARLS DIAMONDS JEWELRY SILVERWARE WATCHES CLOCKS CHINA AND STATIONERY Erricient Service sy MAIL FIFTH AVENUE & 3/7 STREET New York Me Houbigant> “Por. Moster Rifumer 5 guelguoy Hlousy : Ta worlds most exquisite perfume FOR SALE WHERE FINE PERFUMES ARE SOLD PARK & TILFORD “Sag wa Sy Sengle on receipt of 39 coals ENVIRONMENT comicbooks.com