The Wasp — 1895 — page 816: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two sections: **"The Old Maids' Diary"** (left) and **"Literary Chat"** (right), with accompanying illustrations. **The Diary** satirizes women's charitable organizations, particularly the W.C.T.U. (Women's Christian Temperance Union). The narrator mocks her friend Miss Goody's involvement in the organization, suggesting the women are motivated by social status-seeking and self-importance rather than genuine philanthropy. The satire implies these organizations, while claiming moral authority, actually serve as venues for gossip and self-promotion. **Literary Chat** reviews contemporary books and lectures, mentioning Brete Harte's story "Clarence" and various women authors. The illustrations show period women engaged in social activities. The overall tone is skeptical of organized women's movements and their stated charitable purposes.