The Wasp — 1889 — page 114: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains several satirical vignettes rather than a single political cartoon. The humor targets everyday social situations: **"The Progressive Heathen"** depicts a Mission Street Railway car, satirizing missionary work's contradiction—preaching morality while transporting a diverse, possibly disreputable crowd. **"In the Blooming Summer"** presents a sentimental reunion dialogue between former lovers, mocking melodramatic sentiment and romantic clichés popular in period literature. The remaining sections ("A Preventive to Drowning," "The Brainful Dude," etc.) are brief comedic dialogues poking fun at foolish characters—a half-blind museum visitor, someone with an absurdly long cane, and various socially awkward types. The overall tone is light, domesticated satire focusing on manners and human folly rather than serious political critique. The included illustrations support these humorous social observations.