The Wasp — 1896 — page 122: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains a satirical poem titled "The Craze for Money" by "The Financier," critiquing obsessive wealth-seeking across all social classes. The accompanying illustrations show upper-class figures engaged in financial speculation. The right illustration depicts "Truly Feminine," a social scene where a man confronts a woman about her extravagance, suggesting satirical commentary on women's spending habits and marital conflict over money. Below is a photograph of "An Operatic Star" (Corinne), noted for her versatile talents. The remaining text includes brief satirical vignettes about various public figures and scandals—including references to Chicago corruption, a railroad employee's crime, and social hypocrisy. The overall theme critiques how the pursuit of money corrupts individuals across gender, class, and profession in American society.