The Wasp — 1891 — page 223: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a decorative illustration of a fashionable young woman in an elaborate hat, accompanying a gossip column titled "Social Chatter" by Satanella. The content is primarily **social commentary about courtship and dating advice** for young women, presented as satirical wisdom from a fictitious "Crazy Ladies' Home Journal." The advice mocks Victorian-era courtship conventions—warning women against kissing suitors too often, advising modest behavior during walks, and emphasizing proper appearance at social events. The page also includes **brief humorous anecdotes** about local socialites' outings and activities, typical of society-page satire. A final section titled "Treat Him Well" uses a dialogue to mock servants' gossip about guests. The satire targets **pretentious social conventions and the absurdity of rigid dating etiquette**, with gentle ridicule of both ladies' behavior and servants' indiscretion.