We have, in this space, considered what our postcard artists have shown us about the mechanics of romantic couples sitting together on park benches, in boats, on the road in buggies or automobiles, and in hammocks. Today we shall consider the dramatic range afforded by the couch.
See, there is not nearly as much room for negotiation on a buggy seat, and even less in a hammock. It takes real acrobatic skill for people to sit at opposite ends of a hammock. But a sofa has room for personal space and, thus, suspense.
We are, by the way, considering “couch”, “sofa”, “settee”, “chesterfield”, and “davenport” (and whatever else you’re going to come up with) as synonyms. I am informed by the interwebs that “settee” was once used to describe small sofa which had space for only two people, but that this gradually became obsolete.
The postcard artists preferred a large piece of furniture for the beginning of the date. This allowed for space to make it clear that we are generally dealing with two people who are interested in each other but have not quite reached the stage where is outcome can be taken for granted. (I assume THIS young lady, whose caption suggests “maybe” but whose body language says “no, thanks”, is just trying to figure out what she’s dealing with.)
These cartoonists knew we would find the suspense funnier (and more relatable) than a simple yes or no. That’s why the sleeper sofa is so rare on postcards.
Eventually, of course, somebody has to make a move.
AND, with luck, those sofa cushions are put to the test. (This particular davenport is apparently well traveled. Those pictures on the wall are not labeled by which ones have been told “No”. That stands for “Number”. This message brought to you for those familiar with only texting English, where # takes less space.)
HOWEVER, the cartoonist’s fortune is not made with happy endings. So the center of the sofa is not always the finish line. Disappointment frequently awaits.
Or, worse, parental disapproval and enforced curfews.
And, horror of horrors, the worst fate of all: parental interference plus really old jokes. But, as we have been told, comedy is not pretty.
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