The Wasp — 1893 — page 426: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a social satire column rather than a political cartoon. The illustrated header features a caricatured "Old Maid" character in exaggerated dress, establishing the satirical voice. The author comments on San Francisco society, fashion, and manners through a gossipy diary format. Key satirical targets include: - Women's fashion absurdities (the "V-shape" dress with visible spine) - Pretentious social climbing and charity events - The hypocrisy of society women who lecture about propriety while engaging in questionable behavior - Working-class struggles (a drummer's domestic hardships contrasted with wealthy women's frivolous concerns) The tone mocks both elite affectation and naive social aspirants. The illustrations depict fashionably dressed women, suggesting commentary on contemporary clothing trends and social posturing among San Francisco's leisure class.