The Wasp — 1891 — page 494: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

**"A Social Conundrum"** (top): A sketch captioned "Why is it that the fat woman always has a lean partner in the surf?" This is genteel social satire about beach culture and body types—presumably commenting on fashion or courtship dynamics of the era. **Main article** discusses the Prince of Wales's finances critically, noting his £50,000 annual allowance is insufficient given family expenses. The piece mocks aristocratic complaints about money while ordinary citizens struggle. **"In the Park"** (bottom): A dialogue joke about a well-dressed man appearing to be imprisoned or having "spent most of his life behind bars"—the punchline reveals he's either a murderer or bank robber, satirizing appearances and respectability. The page reflects turn-of-century class commentary and social observation typical of *The Wasp*.