The Wasp — 1896 — page 776: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts a classical warrior figure holding an ornate shield labeled "ROCK OF HARD TIMES," with a "NOVEMBER ELECTION" banner. A distressed woman and child appear in the scene, labeled "ANDROMEDA" and described as "the dragon which threatens to devour the distressed maiden." The cartoon uses mythological allegory: Andromeda represents vulnerable citizens suffering economic hardship, while the "rock of hard times" appears to be a political shield or platform. The November election likely references a specific electoral moment when politicians claimed to defend struggling Americans. The satire suggests political rhetoric about protecting citizens from economic distress was hollow—the "dragon" (hard times itself) remains the true threat, regardless of political posturing.