The Wasp — 1895 — page 672: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes the "New Woman" movement of the late 19th/early 20th century. The right side shows three illustrated scenarios titled "What She Can't Do": 1. Kill grizzlies 2. Shoot lions 3. Climb a chair to escape from a mouse The humor mocks women's rights advocates by suggesting that despite claims of equality and capability—including joining law societies and smoking—women remain physically weak and fearful. The left column's diary entry depicts a "Smarty girl" challenging traditional gender norms around clothing and social behavior. The satire argues that women cannot truly become "men's equals" because biological differences prevent them from dangerous pursuits. This represents common anti-feminist rhetoric of the era, using physical limitation as ammunition against women's liberation movements.