The Wasp — 1892 — page 566: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts two men in what appears to be a financial dispute. The left figure, drawn with exaggerated features suggesting desperation or cunning, addresses the other man with an outstretched hand. Based on the accompanying story text, this illustrates a scene from a San Francisco boarding house where a wealthy guest was swindled by the landlord and his friend. The satire targets con artists and financial deception in turn-of-the-century urban America. The "ear" reference suggests the victim was talked into lending money or believing false promises—a common con technique. The grotesque facial caricatures emphasize the moral ugliness of the schemers exploiting naive or trusting guests.