The Wasp — 1887 — page 494: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains three literary pieces rather than political cartoons. The content includes: 1. **"Despair"** - A poem about a dead woman found floating in the bay, apparently a suicide. It reflects on poverty, hopelessness, and the tragic plight of poor women in the city. 2. **"The Present She Didn't Receive"** - A dialogue poem between a man (Albert) and woman (Kate) discussing a woman who died before Christmas, with hints of unfulfilled romance. 3. **"My Wife's Christmas Gift"** - A sentimental poem describing a husband's gratitude for his wife's modest gift. These appear to be social commentary pieces addressing themes of urban poverty, loss, and working-class struggles typical of *The Wasp*'s satirical approach, using pathos rather than humor to critique social conditions.