Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXIV, No. 5, May 1849

"Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXIV, No. 5, May 1849" by Various is a window into the 1800's, showcasing a variety of writings from short stories to poems, capturing the era's culture and artistic expression. The included story, "Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson Jones: A Tale of Everyday Life," introduces a regular couple, the Joneses, who dream of popularity and high society, which builds on themes of social climbing and how society sees people. Readers are introduced to the Jones' ambitious attempts through the parties and social moves they orchestrate. Mrs. Jones is shown as very driven but maybe a bit clueless in her chase for popularity, and the story follows how her attempts miss their mark. The beginning story gives a humorous look at their mishaps, pointing out the difference between their desires and what it really takes to move up in society.