The Wasp — 1896 — page 319: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* satirical magazine contains social gossip and illustrations rather than explicit political cartoons. The main article, "In the Swim," mocks wealthy San Francisco society figures attending exclusive events. Key targets include: - **J. Kenilworth Blitherspoon**: apparently a wealthy contractor's daughter engaged in high-society matchmaking - **Miss Birdie McGuffey**: a society woman with revolutionary sympathizer relatives, mocked for pretensions - **Miss Skinflint** and the **Misses Blankety-Blanks**: other society women The satire ridicules the elite's frivolous concerns (fashion, gossip, engagements) while the broader world faces serious issues. The illustrations mock exaggerated fashions and social posturing typical of *The Wasp's* working-class perspective critiquing upper-class pretension.