The Wasp — 1891 — page 530: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features comic dialogue sketches rather than political cartoons. The illustrated vignettes depict social humor typical of early 20th-century magazines: **"As in a Looking-Glass"** presents flirtation between a man and woman, playing on vanity and courtship rituals. **"Its Strong Point"** satirizes a boarding house proprietor's weak cooking but strong water (likely a reference to poor-quality or diluted beverages). **"A Barefaced Record"** mocks a woman's collection of photographs, suggesting she's vain or foolish about mementos. **"A Fellow"** depicts a store interaction where a man awkwardly searches for goods, implying confusion or incompetence. The humor relies on period gender dynamics, social awkwardness, and domestic situations. These are gentle comedic sketches rather than sharp political satire—typical filler content for magazines of this era.