The Wasp — 1887 — page 492: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains **three distinct sections**: poetry/essays and a central cartoon illustration. The cartoon depicts a figure in what appears to be 19th-century dress gesturing dramatically at a doorway or window. The accompanying text "John Tells it" presents a domestic scene where a father confronts a son about misbehavior—likely a servant or household member has complained. The dialogue satirizes class relationships and parental authority. The surrounding text includes "New Year Wishes" (resolutions and hopes for the coming year) and "Our Pictures" (commentary on contemporary art/life). **Without clearer caption visibility or date information, the specific satirical target remains unclear**, though the domestic conflict and class dynamics suggest commentary on Victorian social hierarchies and moral expectations. The tone is humorous rather than overtly political.