The Wasp — 1896 — page 96: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts a scene labeled "Jealousy," showing a man in dark clothing confronting a woman in a white dress. The accompanying text discusses fortune-telling and theatrical performance, referencing a "European circus" and "coronet in the upper circle." The satire appears to target theatrical sentimentality and romantic dramatics of the era. The text mentions "Queen Natalie" and references to European royalty, suggesting the cartoon mocks exaggerated, melodramatic performances popular in contemporary theater. The various brief news items below address marriage scandals, questionable business practices, and social hypocrisy—typical *Wasp* fare. The overall page criticizes theatrical artifice and aristocratic pretension while exposing societal double standards regarding propriety and personal conduct.