The Wasp — 1895 — page 493: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains several short humorous pieces and illustrations typical of early satirical magazines: **"When Three is Company"** mocks romantic entanglements through a poem about Cupid arranging a lovers' triangle. **The main illustration** (right) depicts a figure in formal dress emerging from a barrel labeled "GONE TO ITS LONG HOME IN THE ASHBARREL," accompanying a poem about a disastrous carnival or parade where things went wrong—a swill band, damaged property, and general chaos ensued. **"Not So Fast"** (bottom left) is a society scene satirizing class pretension and courtship rituals among the wealthy. The other sections—"Economical," "Woman's Wit," and "The Santa Cruz Carnival"—provide social commentary on women's behavior, domestic life, and local events, reflecting turn-of-century American middle-class attitudes and preoccupations.