The Wasp — 1893 — page 102: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains two satirical pieces: **"The Bell Maid's Diary"** (top left) mocks women's fashion, particularly white cotton stockings, which the writer calls "hideous" and unflattering. The satire attacks the absurdity of fashion trends that prioritize appearance over practicality. **"Society Episode"** (bottom) depicts a working-class interaction about coal delivery, seemingly satirizing class pretension. A kitchen worker must show where to unload coal, highlighting the gap between domestic labor and polite society. **"He Was Not Proud"** (right) shows a street figure at a door marked "PULL." The accompanying text mockingly presents a conversation where the character makes excuses about city filth rather than admitting poverty or failure—satirizing false pride and self-deception among the struggling poor. The overall theme critiques social hypocrisy across classes.