The Wasp — 1895 — page 287: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising**, not political satire. The central cartoon depicts two figures in heavy rain discussing an old hat. The accompanying text presents three short humorous sketches about rain and worn clothing. The joke appears to be gentle social commentary: a poor man defends his shabby hat by claiming rain won't damage it further—because it's already ruined. The humor relies on working-class self-deprecation about poverty and worn possessions. A second sketch jokes about a woman seeing her reflection in rain puddles. These are lighthearted observational humor pieces rather than sharp political satire. The cartoons mock no specific figure or policy, instead poking fun at everyday hardships of ordinary people dealing with weather and poverty—typical of *The Wasp's* mixed content approach.