The Wasp — 1895 — page 358: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains the central cartoon titled "A 'NOBLE' IMPULSE," depicting a woman in elaborate dress presenting money to a well-dressed man, with the caption: "Pur dying to marry a lord, papa, / The sweetest that money can buy. / ... Where titles are sold, / And daddies, bid high, bid high." **What it means:** This satirizes the practice of wealthy American heiresses marrying impoverished European aristocrats for titles. The woman represents the archetypal rich American girl willing to trade her father's wealth for a "noble" husband—purchasing social status rather than marrying for love. The sarcastic "noble impulse" headline mocks the pretension behind such unions, suggesting mercenary motivations dressed up as romantic aspiration. The poem emphasizes the transactional nature: titles are literally *sold*, and fathers must bid competitively.