The Wasp — 1890 — page 230: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The central cartoon depicts "Jenkins' Dream"—a sleeping figure surrounded by surreal imagery including what appears to be prize-fighting rings and chaotic scenes. The accompanying text describes Jenkins dreaming of becoming a boxing champion, imagining himself knocking out opponents and winning matches. However, the dream takes absurd turns, with Jenkins eventually imagining himself as a woman and the narrative becoming increasingly nonsensical. This appears to be satirical humor typical of late 19th/early 20th-century magazines, mocking both boxing culture and gender presentation through absurdist comedy. The cartoon criticizes or ridicules boxing's popularity while using gender-crossing as the punchline—reflecting the era's attitudes toward both sports and masculinity.