The Wasp — 1888 — page 313: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains a satirical cartoon mocking what appears to be overly serious or melancholic attitudes toward life and pleasure. The cartoon depicts figures gathered around a table with the captions "LIFE IS NOT A FUNERAL" and "YOU SHOULD ENJOY RATIONAL PLEASURES." The satire targets prudish or excessively austere social attitudes prevalent in the era, advocating instead for moderate enjoyment of life's legitimate pleasures. The "rational" qualifier suggests the cartoonist endorses measured indulgence rather than excess—a common Progressive-era debate about social reform, temperance, and proper living standards. The surrounding text discusses courtship, marriage, and family matters, suggesting the cartoon comments on restrictive Victorian social conventions affecting personal relationships.