The Wasp — 1892 — page 76: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains no cartoon or caricature—it's a text article titled "Social Chatter" by Satanella, discussing social events among Boston's elite. The only image is a photograph of Memorial Hall at Harvard College. The article discusses a Women's Press Club reception honoring Mrs. Frank Leslie, describing attendees' appearance and behavior in a gossipy, mocking tone. It ridicules various women by name—Mrs. M. H. de Young receives particular attention for her appearance ("black tulle costume," "snow-white shoulders"). The satire is social commentary on upper-class Boston society: the author mocks the pretensions, vanity, and behavior of wealthy women attending cultural events. References to "perfect scandal" and detailed criticism of dress and deportment suggest this is satirizing elite social pretension through gossip-column style coverage.